By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI) has urged the Federal Government to officially declare May 25, Africa Day, as a national public holiday in Nigeria.

The group says the move is necessary to highlight Nigeria’s role in Africa’s development and strengthen the country’s visibility across the continent.

TPADI made this call during a press briefing held in Abuja on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Effiong Joseph Udo, President of TPADI, said that Nigeria’s recognition of Africa Day would build on the country’s long-standing history of support for African unity and progress.

Dr. Udo said, “A formal recognition of Africa Day in Nigeria would serve as a continuation of this legacy and deepen our historical and cultural consciousness.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s connection to the rest of the continent, boost our diplomatic profile, and support our aspirations for continental leadership and influence.”

Africa Day is marked every May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

Though the OAU later became the African Union (AU), the date remains a key symbol of African unity and is recognized by the United Nations as an international day.

Countries like Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and others celebrate it with public holidays and cultural events.

TPADI says Nigeria, being the most populous African country and a key supporter of African freedom movements, should not be left out.

Udo said, “Nigeria, the giant of Africa, the most populous nation on the continent, and a country with a long-standing commitment to African liberation, has not officially recognized Africa Day.

“For us in TPADI this omission is striking. It creates a symbolic void and diminishes the visibility of Nigeria’s historic contributions to the Pan-African struggle.”

The institute, based at the University of Uyo, is an international think tank made up of academics, professionals, students, civil society members, and grassroots leaders across Africa and the diaspora. TPADI promotes Pan-Africanism through education, policy engagement, and projects that benefit society.

“Our dialogue approach to Pan-Africanism is apolitical, non-confrontational, non-revolutionary and nonviolent.

“Rather, our approach is broad-based, inclusive and knowledge-driven… practiced within the contexts of community and relationships,” Udo said.

In 2024, TPADI held its first Africa Day celebration in Nigeria at the University of Uyo, which included an international conference and the attendance of important guests like the former Vice President of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumata Tambajang. The event sparked wider conversations about the relevance of Pan-Africanism in today’s world.

“The historic event… marked the first time Africa Day was observed in Nigeria, sparking national and international conversations about Pan-Africanism’s contemporary global relevance,” Udo said.

This year, TPADI continued its efforts with a national webinar featuring experts, media appearances, and cultural displays planned at the University of Uyo.

The organization is now calling on the Federal Government, especially the Ministries of Information, Culture, Education, and Tourism, to work towards making Africa Day a public holiday.

TPADI also appealed to civil society, creative industries, and schools to join the campaign.

Udi urged, “Let us use the Day to educate the next generation of Nigerians about African history, culture and struggles.

“We must recognize and educate ourselves and our children on the roots of our continental struggle and the ideals that bind us together as Africans.”

He added that celebrating Africa Day can help promote Nigeria’s cultural industries, foster national unity, and encourage conversations about challenges facing the continent today, such as identity crisis, economic inequality, and racial discrimination.

“If Nigerians can celebrate international days assigned to Hepatitis, Malaria, HIV and AIDS, etc., on radio and television stations, in religious houses, and in schools and government offices, why not Africa Day?” he asked.

Udo further urged Nigerians to embrace their Pan-African identity and leadership role.

“Let Nigeria be guided by the words of African ancestors, ‘When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.’ Let us rise again, not only as the giant of Africa, but as the soul of Africa’s future,” he said.