On the 49th anniversary of the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has urged citizens to engage in a period of sober reflection and rededication to the values he upheld, which include integrity, patriotism and progress.
The MMF, in a statement, yesterday, by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, announced initiatives to honour the legacy of General Muhammed ahead of his 50th posthumous anniversary in 2026.
According to Muhammed-Oyebode, the commemoration is not only an opportunity to pay tribute, but also a call to action. She stated: “As the nation marks the 49th anniversary of his assassination, this period of contemplation will serve as a prelude to a grand and meaningful commemoration of his legacy in 2025-2026.
“As Nigeria approaches the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Muhammed’s transformative leadership and tragic assassination, the MMF proudly announces a series of landmark initiatives to honour his enduring influence.”
The foundation outlined two key dates for the commemoration: July 27, 2025, marking 50 years since General Muhammed assumed office as Head of State, and February 13, 2026, the golden jubilee of his assassination.
To underscore his impact, MMF is organising high-level discussions featuring distinguished statesmen, governance experts, and nation-builders from across the world. These gatherings will serve as platforms for critical dialogue on governance, leadership, and Africa’s future, ensuring that General Muhammed’s legacy remains central to contemporary discourse on national and continental development.
One of the highlights of the anniversary, according to the statement, will be the unveiling of the Murtala Muhammed Centre for Governance and Entrepreneurship in Abuja.
Speaking on the centre’s vision, Muhammed-Oyebode said: “A significant component of the 50th anniversary celebrations will be the unveiling of the Murtala Muhammed Centre for Governance and Entrepreneurship in Abuja. This institution will promote ethical leadership, self-reliance and self-fulfillment, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to integrity and national progress.”
