By Benjamin Njoku

Lagos State Government is set to partner with the Macaulay Heritage Foundation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the passing of Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism.

As part of the celebrations, the foundation will launch the “Greatness Series,” a year-long programme designed to showcase the ideals Herbert Macaulay stood for 80 years ago and how they still resonate in Nigerians today. The foundation is dedicated to advancing the principles of nationalism, cultural pride, and civic responsibility championed by Macaulay.

Lagos State Government has endorsed the “Herbert Macaulay Monumenting Programme.” Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, is expected to lead the flag-off of the project.

Mr. Gladstone Olufemi Macaulay, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the project will highlight the “Nigerian Spirit” in 18 forms identified with the late nationalist, as well as the “Spirit of Lagos,” which he said was central to many of Macaulay’s goals and achievements.

The Macaulay family and the foundation have lined up programmes to instill the “Spirit of Greatness” in the next generation, drawing lessons from the past.

Erelu Adeola Macaulay, spokesperson for the family, said the theme of the project is “Herbert Macaulay (HM) Ideology: Documenting the True Spirits of Nigeria in the Prism of Lagos.” She noted that the “Spirit of Lagos” is vast, multi-faceted, deeply historical, cultural, and global, all reflected in the life of Herbert Macaulay.

Erelu Macaulay described the late nationalist as a light that illuminated Lagos and Nigeria. The monumenting programme will begin with a thanksgiving service at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This will be followed by a banquet and dinner at the Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, with dignitaries from the diaspora, state, and federal government in attendance.

Other events in the “Spirit of Greatness” series include an arts, painting, and essay competition and exhibition at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, a cultural night of songs on Yoruba perspectives at Freedom Park, and a press colloquium at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos.

Erelu Macaulay said the year-long plan is important for continuously engaging the different “spirits” displayed by Nigerians, and Lagosians in particular, both at home and abroad.