{
  "id": 20209625,
  "title": "Nigeria must protect founding fathers’ vision – Former President, Jonathan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/nigeria-must-protect-founding-fathers-vision-former-president-jonathan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T17:07:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/15/nigeria-must-protect-founding-fathers-vision-former-president-jonathan/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the need to protect the founding principles of Nigeria from a speech at a commemorative event held in Lagos. The event, which marked the 162nd birth anniversary of nationalist Herbert Macaulay, was organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).\n\nJonathan, who presided over the event themed \"Nationalism and Nation Building,\" implored Nigerians not to forsake the ideals and sacrifices of those who fought for the country's independence. He pointed out that the country's founding nationalists sought more than merely ending colonial rule; they aspired to create a united, prosperous nation where all citizens would enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities.\n\nAccording to Jonathan, the struggle for independence was also about attaining economic freedom, industrial growth, quality education, accessible healthcare, job opportunities, and social justice. He questioned whether Nigeria has achieved the level of development envisioned by its founding fathers and whether the nation can be satisfied with its current state.\n\nAlthough acknowledging some progress in various sectors, Jonathan underscored the importance of recognizing and tackling the challenges that hinder the nation's advancement. These issues include poor leadership, weak institutions, corruption, inconsistent government policies, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and over-reliance on raw material exports.\n\nAt the event, Bode George, the Chairman of the Herbert Macaulay Colloquium Family Committee, paid tribute to the late nationalist as a \"special gift to Nigeria.\" George also urged current political leaders to emulate Macaulay's example of selfless public service. He urged President Bola Tinubu to return the site of Macaulay's former residence on Marina to his family so it could be converted into a permanent memorial hall.\n\nGeorge further explained that the family organized the anniversary events to preserve Macaulay's legacy and inspire today's political leaders to embrace his values. He emphasized that anyone aspiring for a political career should not be driven by personal gain but should instead serve the public interest.",
  "summary": "Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a major review of Nigeria’s democratic system, political leadership selection process and public institutions, warning against abandoning the ideals and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence. He made the call at a colloquium held in Lagos to commemorate the 162nd birth anniversary of nationalist Herbert […] Nigeria must…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}