Bode George: How best to preserve Herbert Macaulay’s legacy

Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged Nigerians to preserve the enduring legacy of the country’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Samuel Macaulay, by strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountable leadership and recommitting themselves to the ideals of justice, equity and national unity for which the nationalist devoted his life.

George made the call in his keynote address during the 80th anniversary of Herbert Macaulay’s death held in Lagos.

The anniversary was attended by prominent politicians and elder statesmen including the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Sinatu Ojikutu; Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was also represented by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said Macaulay’s activism laid the foundation for the nationalist movement which led to the country’s independence.

Macaulay founded the first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923.

George argued that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the man widely regarded as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism” is not merely through annual celebrations or monuments, but by completing the unfinished work of building a nation founded on justice, strong institutions and responsible leadership.

He described Macaulay as a visionary leader whose courage, intellect and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian cause laid the foundation for the country’s nationalist movement long before independence became a realistic political objective.

According to George, Macaulay earned his place in history through extraordinary personal sacrifice, confronting colonial authorities at a time when speaking against injustice carried significant personal consequences.

“That title, ‘Father of Nigerian Nationalism,’ was not inherited. It was earned,” George said, adding, “It was earned through courage in the face of intimidation, through conviction in the face of opposition, through sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than self, and through an unwavering belief that Nigerians deserved dignity, representation, justice and a meaningful voice in determining their own future.”

George maintained that while preserving historical monuments and organising memorial events remain important, the true preservation of Macaulay’s legacy lies in building institutions capable of protecting democracy, defending the rule of law and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all citizens.

He argued that Herbert Macaulay dedicated his life to ensuring that governance served the people rather than those in power, noting that his political philosophy remains relevant in contemporary Nigeria.

He said, “The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is not one built with stone. The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is a Nigeria governed by justice; a Nigeria where institutions are stronger than individuals; a Nigeria where leadership remains accountable; a Nigeria where democracy is protected; and a Nigeria where every citizen can once again believe in the promise of our nation.”

George said Nigerians must move beyond celebrating national heroes only on anniversaries and instead embrace the values they stood for.

“If we build such a Nigeria, then we will not merely be remembering Herbert Macaulay; we will be continuing his work. We will be honouring his sacrifice and fulfilling the vision for which he devoted his life.”

On his part, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to live lives of impact and service that will be remembered long after they leave public office, saying true leadership is measured by the legacy one leaves behind.

He described the late statesman as one of the nation’s greatest founding figures whose contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution continue to inspire generations.

Sanwo-Olu said it was a privilege for his administration to host the commemoration, noting that Lagos State was honoured that Macaulay’s remarkable life and contributions were being celebrated during his tenure as governor.

“As a governor, we feel very honoured and proud that it is in our time that Herbert Macaulay is being remembered in this manner,” he said, adding, “I want to thank everyone for remembering his name and for bringing everybody together to celebrate a man who helped build what we know today as our nation.”

The governor described Macaulay as an iconic figure whose family history was deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s development, noting that the family’s contributions to education, religion and nation-building remain significant.

“The Macaulay family has a long and distinguished history. We need to continue to remember how we got to where we are today by celebrating those who laid the foundation for our country,” he said.

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