President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace the values of courage, resilience, unity and political cooperation exemplified by the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, while rejecting bitterness, intolerance 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 memorial lecture, themed “Unity in Diversity: Lessons from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s Legacy,” as a fitting tribute, President Tinubu said Akintola remains one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists whose life and sacrifice are central to the nation’s historical journey.
He noted that Chief Akintola, alongside other leaders of Nigeria’s formative years, paid the ultimate price in the quest for national development. Recalling the January 15, 1966 military coup, the President said the tragic event altered Nigeria’s political trajectory but affirmed that the country has endured and will continue to thrive as one united and indivisible nation.
President Tinubu reassured Nigerians that, despite current socio-economic challenges, his administration remains committed to building on the foundations laid by past leaders through reforms and people-oriented policies aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
He called on citizens to exercise patience and understanding as ongoing reforms begin to yield positive outcomes, emphasising that government policies are designed to secure long-term stability and prosperity.
Reflecting on Akintola’s life and career, the President described him as a versatile leader who excelled as a teacher, journalist, legal mind and politician. He traced his journey from humble beginnings in Ogbomoso to becoming the first Premier of the Western Region in post-independence Nigeria.
He highlighted Akintola’s service as a federal minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, noting his contributions to major national institutions, including the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria Airways and the University of Ife, Ile-Ife.
According to the President, Akintola’s greatest legacy lies in his advocacy of the politics of cooperation, which prioritised dialogue, consensus and national unity over conflict and division.
He recalled that the late leader consistently promoted alignment with the national mainstream and equitable distribution of resources through his doctrine of fairness and inclusion.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to other national figures who lost their lives during the 1966 coup, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, stressing that their sacrifices highlight the dangers of political intolerance and disunity.
Emphasising Nigeria’s diversity, the President said ethnic, religious and cultural differences must be harnessed as sources of strength rather than division, adding that unity in diversity remains the only viable path to lasting peace and development.
He highlighted the establishment of Regional Development Commissions across the six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to decentralise development and address regional needs, in line with Akintola’s philosophy of fairness.
The President also underscored the importance of education and human capital development, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has provided interest-free loans to over 600,000 students nationwide.
Addressing the people of the South-West, President Tinubu acknowledged the region’s contributions to national development and assured that his administration remains committed to advancing infrastructure, economic growth and cultural preservation in the zone.
In his concluding remarks, the President urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s legacy of bridge-building, patriotism and fairness, stressing that remembrance of past tragedies should promote healing, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
