Family of the late head of state, General Murtala Muhammed, has unveiled a year-long programme of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his ascension to power on July 29, 1975, a pivotal moment that heralded a reform-driven era in Nigeria’s political history.
The celebration, led by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) under the leadership of Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, will begin in August 2025 and run through February 2026.
It is designed to reflect on the enduring legacy of the iconic leader and to ignite national conversations around governance, integrity and development.
General Murtala Muhammed became head of state after a bloodless coup ousted General Yakubu Gowon.
Though his tenure was tragically cut short by an assassination in February 1976, his brief time in office was marked by bold reforms, including anti-corruption drives, civil service restructuring and the initiation of a new federal capital, Abuja.
In a statement released by the family, the MMF announced that the Murtala Muhammed Legacy Policy Dialogue Series will be launched as the first major initiative.
The monthly forums will bring together policymakers, civil society leaders and development experts to explore critical national issues such as anti-corruption, youth inclusion, food security, education reform, digital innovation and migration.
The celebration will climax on February 13, 2026, with an international conference in Abuja, where global leaders, scholars and change-makers will convene to assess the relevance of Muhammed’s leadership philosophy in today’s African and global context.
Other activities planned for the golden jubilee include, launch of the Murtala Muhammed centre for governance and entrepreneurship, to offer leadership training and youth development programmes.
An anti-corruption campaign, inspired by Muhammed’s well-known zero-tolerance stance on misgovernance.
Introduction of the Murtala Social Index (MSI), a development-tracking tool aimed at measuring social and economic progress.
A healthcare impact initiative targeting underserved communities.
Restoration of national monuments, including the iconic Ikoyi Cenotaph, as a symbol of remembrance and national pride.
Speaking on the upcoming anniversary, Mrs Muhammed-Oyebode said the programme is not just about remembering a historical figure but also about rekindling the values of honesty, justice, patriotism and accountability that her father embodied.
“This commemoration aims to use this moment not only to remember a leader whose impact was profound but also to reignite the national consciousness that he inspired,” she said.
The MMF is inviting Nigerians, Africans and the international community to participate in the series of events, which seek to apply the timeless values of General Murtala Muhammed to Nigeria’s present-day challenges and the future of African leadership.
