All roads led to the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Thursday, February 5, 2026, as scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders converged for a one-day Strategic Policy Dialogue to reflect on Africa’s political, economic, and institutional journey, fifty years after General Murtala Ramat Muhammed’s historic declaration that “Africa has come of age.”
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation organised the one-day Strategic Policy Dialogue in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (MMF–NIIA). The dialogue revisited General Muhammed’s vision for a self-determined Africa while exploring the future of leadership on the continent. Speaking at the event, MMF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, and NIIA’s DG, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, highlighted the significance of the dialogue in promoting evidence-based reflection and intergenerational exchange.
Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Chief Executive Officer of the MMF
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs and former NIIA Director-General, took participants down memory lane, emphasising the close relationship between General Muhammed and the NIIA. He described the late Head of State as a military leader committed to diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Professor Charles Ukeje of Obafemi Awolowo University served as moderator for the session.
Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, and Professor Eghosa Osaghae
Panelists, including Professor W. Alade Fawole (Obafemi Awolowo University), Professor Olubukola Adesina (University of Ibadan), Professor Hassan Saliu (University of Ilorin), Professor Rahamatu Lawal (President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Ahmadu Bello University), and Dr. Joshua Olusegun Bolarinwa (Director of Research, NIIA), examined General Muhammed’s approach to Nigeria’s foreign policy and his regime’s pivotal role in liberation movements across Angola, Southern Africa, and the wider continent.
The Panelists, (from left) Prof Ukeje, Prof Adesina, Prof Saliu, Dr Muhammed Oyebode, Prof Akinyemi, Prof Osaghae, Prof Lawal, Prof Fawole and Dr Bolarinwa
The discussions celebrated General Muhammed as a leader of courage, discipline, integrity, and accountability, whose influence continues to shape contemporary African leadership discourse.
The panelists concurred on the importance of Nigeria articulating its own narrative, particularly by documenting its contributions to Africa’s liberation movements and its role as a continental leader.
The event also had in attendance prominent dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria, Jose Bamoquina Zau, alongside his wife, Ambassador Caroline Zau, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Oyeronke Oyewunmi, Professor Kayode Oyebode, Professor Adele Jinadu, Professor Femi Otubanjo.
