President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to emulate the courage, resilience, unity, and politics of cooperation exemplified by the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, urging citizens to reject bitterness, acrimony, and divisive tendencies in national life.
The President made the call on Thursday through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented him at the 2026 Samuel Akintola Memorial Lecture and the 60th Remembrance of the former Premier of Western Nigeria, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Describing the lecture, themed “Unity in Diversity: Lessons from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s Legacy”, as a fitting tribute, Tinubu hailed Akintola as one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists whose life and sacrifice remain central to the country’s historical journey. He recalled the January 15, 1966 military coup that claimed the lives of many leaders but said Nigeria has endured and remains united.
Reflecting on Akintola’s life, the President described him as a teacher, journalist, legal mind, and politician who rose from humble beginnings in Ogbomoso to become the first Premier of the Western Region in post-independence Nigeria. He highlighted Akintola’s service as a federal minister, first Leader of the Opposition, and Aare Ona Kakanfo, as well as his contributions to national institutions like the University College Hospital, Nigeria Airways, and the University of Ife.
Tinubu emphasised that Akintola’s greatest legacy lay in his advocacy of the politics of cooperation, which prioritised consensus over conflict and national unity over regional isolation. He noted Akintola’s doctrine of equitable wealth distribution and his role as a bridge-builder across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Paying tribute to other leaders who died in the 1966 coup, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the President said their sacrifices highlight the dangers of disunity and political intolerance. He stressed that diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength rather than division.
Highlighting current government initiatives, Tinubu pointed to the establishment of Regional Development Commissions across the six geopolitical zones and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has provided interest-free loans to over 600,000 students, describing these as steps to ensure inclusive growth and human capital development.
In conclusion, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Akintola’s legacy of fairness, patriotism, and bridge-building, stressing that the remembrance of past tragedies should serve to heal divisions and strengthen national unity.
