Personality in Focus
Murtala Mohammed: Remembering Originator of ‘Fellow Nigerians’ 47 Years After
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Murtala-Mohammed-1.jpg&description=Murtala Mohammed: Remembering Originator of ‘Fellow Nigerians’ 47 Years After', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Murtala-Mohammed-1.jpg&description=Murtala Mohammed: Remembering Originator of ‘Fellow Nigerians’ 47 Years After', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Eric Elezuo
He is noted as the first person to use the popular military catch phrase ‘fellow Nigerians’, and popularised it among subsequent leaders, who had used it at all coup situations. He is Murtala Ramat Muhammad GCFR, Nigeria’s third military Head of State, who was murdered in cold blood on February 13, 1976, less than eight months after he took over administration.
Born on November 8, 1938, Mohammed is believed to have led the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup in overthrowing the Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi military regime and featured prominently during the Nigerian Civil War and thereafter ruled over Nigeria from 30 July 1975 until his assassination on that fateful February 13, 1976 morning.
He was in Kano, into a ruling-class religious family, Murtala served in the Nigerian Army as a cadet in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He later served in Congo; eventually rose through the ranks to become brigadier general in 1971, aged 33, becoming one of the youngest generals in Nigeria. Three years later Murtala became the Federal Commissioner for Communications in Lagos. As a conservative and federalist, Murtala regretted the overthrow of the First Republic and the promulgation of Aguiyi Ironsi’s unification decree of 1966. He was devastated by the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, and for a time seriously considered the secession of Northern Nigeria. His career redoubled after Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and the young majors orchestrated the first military coup in Nigeria of 1966 coup empowering him to lead the mutiny of the night of 29 July 1966 in Abeokuta. Murtala was briefly considered as Supreme Commander before the appointment of Yakubu Gowon. He also masterminded the July 1966 counter coup, which evidently, sparked the Nigerian Civil War.
During the war, he commandeered Nigeria’s second infantry division which was responsible for the death of civilians and much of the rebels. His command’s use of veteran soldiers, no quarter, and scorched earth strategies led to between 10,000 and 30,000 deaths. Combined with the total wartime death toll of three million making the civil war one of the deadliest in modern history. Three years later the Federal military government declared victory which bolstered Murtala’s image over Nigeria and in particular the north as a military leader through the post-war era of “reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation”. In post-civil-war Nigeria, Murtala ruled with more power than any Nigerian leader before or since, and developed a charismatic authority and cult of personality. During the Cold War he maintained Nigerian neutrality through participation in the non-aligned movement but supported the Soviet Union — during the latter’s effort in the Angolan Civil War
Nigeria under Murtala presided over a period of rampant economic prosperity. At the same time, his regime transitioned from being authoritarian into consensus decision-making with Murtala the leader of a military triumvirate, alongside Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma. The dictatorship softened and Murtala unveiled plans for the demilitarization of politics. In 1976 barely seven months into his nascent rule Murtala without having time to see his plans implemented was assassinated in a failed coup d’ètat attempt, being succeeded by Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State, who, in turn, led the Nigerian transition to democracy with the Second Nigerian Republic.
The legacy of Murtala in Nigerian history remains controversial as the nature of his rule changed over time. His reign was marked by both brutal repression, and economic prosperity, which greatly improved the quality of life in Nigeria. His dictatorial style proved highly adaptable, which enabled wide-sweeping social and economic reform, while consistent pursuits during his reign centered on highly centralised government, authoritarianism, federalism, national Federalism, and pan-Africanism.
Murtala Muhammed was born on November 8, 1938 in Kano. His father, Muhammed Riskuwa, was from the Fulani Genawa clan, who had a history of Islamic jurisprudence as both his paternal grandfather Suleman and paternal great-grandfather Mohammed Zangi served as Chief Judges in Kano Emirate and held the title of chief Alkali of Kano. His father worked in the Kano Native Authority and was related to Aminu Kano, Inuwa Wada, and Aminu Wali. He died in 1953, his mother, Uwani Rahamatu, was from the Kanuri and Fulani Jobawa clan, the Jobawa clan members include the Makama of Kano and Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, his maternal grandfather Yakubu Soja a World War I veteran was from Dawakin Tofa while his maternal grandmother Hajiya Hauwau (Aya) was from Gezawa, he was educated at Cikin Gida Elementary School which was inside the emir’s palace.
He then transferred to Gidan Makama primary school in Kano which was just outside the palace. He then proceeded to Kano Middle School (now Rumfa College, Kano) in 1949, before attending the famous Government College (now Barewa College) in Zaria, where he obtained his school certificate in 1957. At Barewa College, Muhammed was a member of the Cadet Corps and was captain of shooting in his final year. In 1957, he obtained a school leaving certificate and applied to join the Nigerian army later in the year.
Murtala Muhammed joined the Nigerian Army in 1958. He spent short training stints in Nigeria and Ghana and then was trained as an officer cadet at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in England. After his training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961 and assigned to the Nigerian Army Signals that same year, later spending a short stint with the No. 3 Brigade Signals Troop in Congo In 1962, Muhammed was appointed aide-de-camp to M. A. Majekodunmi, the federally-appointed administrator of the Western Region.
In 1963, he became the officer-in-charge of the First Brigade Signal Troop in Kaduna, Nigeria. That year he traveled to the Royal Corps of Signals at Catterick Garrison, England for a course on advanced telecommunications techniques. On his return to Nigeria in 1964, he was promoted to major and appointed officer-commanding, 1st Signal Squadron in Apapa, Lagos. In November 1965, he was made acting Chief of Signals of the Army, while his paternal uncle, Inuwa Wada had recently been appointed Defense Minister.
Mohammed’s coup in 1966 led to the installation of Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon as Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, despite the intransigence of Muhammed who wanted the role of Supreme Commander for himself. However, as Gowon was militarily his senior, and finding a lack of support from the British and American advisors, he caved in. Gowon rewarded him by confirming his ranking (he had been an acting Lt. Colonel until then) and his appointment (Inspector of Signals).
In June 1968, he relinquished his commanding position and was posted to Lagos and appointed Inspector of Signals. In April 1968, he was promoted to colonel. The actions of the division during this period, mostly in Asaba became a subject of speculation. In a book published in 2017, S. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser Ottanelli document the 1967 mass murder of civilians by troops of the 2 Division under General Muhammed’s command. They also discuss the events leading up to the massacre, and its impact on Asaba and on the progress of the war, as well as other civilian massacres carried out by soldiers of the 2nd Division at Onitsha and Isheagu.
Between 1970 and 1971, he attended the Joint Service Staff College in England, his supervisor’s report attributed him to having ”a quick agile mind, considerable ability and common sense. He holds strong views which he puts forward in a forthright manner. He is a strong character and determined. However, he finds it difficult to moderate his opinions and finds it difficult to enter into debate with others whose views he may not share”.After the war, he was promoted to brigadier-general in October 1971. Between 1971 and 1974, Muhammed was involved in routine activities within the signals unit of the army. However, he also disagreed with some of the policies being pursued by Gowon.
On 7 August 1974, the head of state, General Yakubu Gowon appointed him as the new Federal Commissioner for Communications, which he combined with his military duties as Inspector of Signals at the Army Signals Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. On 7 August 1974, General Yakubu Gowon appointed Muhammed as the Federal commissioner (position now called Minister) for communications to oversee and facilitate the nation’s development of cost effective communication infrastructures during the oil boom. After the war and after he took power as head of state, Muhammed started the reorganization and demobilization of 100,000 troops from the armed forces. The number of troops in the armed forces decreased from 250,000 to 150,000.
On 29 July 1975, General Yakubu Gowon was overthrown while attending the 12th summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Kampala, Uganda. Muhammed took power as the new Military Head of State. Brigadiers Obasanjo (later Lt. General) and Danjuma (later Lt. General) were appointed as Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ and Chief of Army Staff, respectively.
In the coup d’état that brought him to power he introduced the phrases “Fellow Nigerians” and “with immediate effect” to the national lexicon. In a short time, Murtala Muhammed’s policies won him broad popular support, and his decisiveness elevated him to the status of a folk hero.
However his highly popular, often televised “with immediate effect” style of governing, also gained some criticism amongst the countries top civil servants – some of which were Nigeria’s top intellectuals. His ad-hoc Presidential proclamations left his civil service often unprepared, lacking details or even funding to implement his ideas, and his administration led to the dismissal of thousands of civil servants. Over 10,000 civil servants, government employees were dismissed without benefits; reasons stated were age, health, incompetence, or malpractice. The removal of such a large amount of public officials affected the public service, the judiciary, the police and armed forces, the diplomatic service, public corporations, and university officials. Quite a few officials were tried on corruption charges, and an ex-military state governor was executed for gross office misconduct.
Muhammed took federal control of the country’s two largest newspapers – Daily Times and New Nigerian; all media in Nigeria was now under federal control. He also took federal control of the remaining state-run universities. On February 3, 1976, the Military Government of Murtala Muhammed created new states and renamed others, the states he created include: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo. This brought the total number of states in Nigeria to nineteen in 1976.
As head of state, Muhammed put in place plans to build a new Federal Capital Territory due to Lagos being overcrowded. He set up a panel headed by Justice Akinola Aguda, which chose the Abuja area as the new capital ahead of other proposed locations. On February 3, 1976, Muhammed announced that the Federal Capital would in the future move to a federal territory location of about 8,000 square kilometres in the central part of the country.
Towards the end of 1975, the administration implemented a mass purge in the Nigerian civil service. The civil service was viewed as undisciplined and lacking a sense of purpose. A retrenchment exercise was implemented as part of a strategy to refocus the service.
Source: Wikipedia
Professor Kamene Okonjo, a renowned sociologist, women’s rights advocate and mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has passed on at the age of 96.
Okonjo, who was also the matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, died on Friday.
Her death was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the royal family.
The late professor was the wife of the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, with whom she was married for 66 years.
She was also the mother of the reigning monarch, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The royal family described her death as a significant loss to the kingdom, citing her contributions to academic scholarship, women’s rights and social development.
An internationally recognised sociologist, Okonjo devoted much of her professional life to academic research and advocacy for women’s empowerment, earning recognition within and beyond Nigeria.
“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Professor Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment,” the statement said.
The family noted that her influence extended beyond academia, particularly through her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and promoting education.
It also acknowledged her role within the traditional institution of Ogwashi-Uku, where she remained an influential member of the royal household.
Beyond her academic career, Okonjo was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose family ties spanned several generations.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived,” the royal family stated.
The statement extended condolences to the reigning monarch, Okonjo-Iweala and other surviving children, including Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo.
It also acknowledged the deceased’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other members of the extended royal family.
The family urged residents of Ogwashi-Uku to honour her memory and reflect on her contributions to scholarship, women’s advancement and the community.
Details of her funeral arrangements were not disclosed in the statement.
By Eric Elezuo
Much as everyday in the life of Ogun State-born multi-billionaire, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, is a day of giving, his birthday, which fall in the month of October, has become monumental because it defines generosity, philanthropism and giving on a whole new level. And this year as the lottery merchant turns 91 is no exception. He is reported to hand over a standard facility valued at over $600,000 to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) as his birthday token, and contribution to the security development of Lagos State, and to an extent, the country.
Adebutu, who is the founder of Premier Lotto, has handed the Lagos State the new multi-storey building headquarters he paid for in full, along with five patrol vehicles for security operations, a performance Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described as ‘a remarkable gesture’.
Adebutu’s benevolence freed the Trust Fund from nearly 10 years of operating from rented and squating offices. The edifice I situated highbrow Ikeja Central Business District. The construction took the philanthropist just 10 months to complete – from groundbreaking to handing over. It was a miracle of some sort, and a proof that that when Adebutu sets out to achieve something, it is good as done.
The edifice has since been named the Sir Kesington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building. It would be recalled that only recently, the billionaire businessman gave similar building to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). In 2025, he completed and handed over the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre to the Lagos State government.
Responding during the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the building, Adebutu, who had vowed to continue to do good till his last breath, noted as follows: “I, therefore, regard my modest contribution to this project not merely as philanthropy but as a sacred obligation of gratitude to our Almighty Creator.”
He described the building as “an enduring testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
Adebutu once more proved tat he can be trusted with wealth, and that he is the definition of ebullient, phenomenal and philanthropist-personified.
Recall that in a 2024 interview with The Boss, Chief Adebutu noted that “I continue telling people, I don’t stay negative. My calling is to do good to people, and to appreciate God’s mercy on my life and my family. I know I work hard, but some people work harder than me, but they are not getting a fraction from what I am getting from God. So the only way about mine is to show appreciation to God by giving out a little bit of the fraction of what he has given to me. I believe that a soul which is healthy and educated can never go backward, and that is what I have passion for; that explains my giving nature…what I am doing is to tell God thank you. As long as God spares my life, I will continue to do good deeds.”
Fondly called Baba Ijebu as a result of the empirical success of one of his business concerns, Adebutu is by every standard an enigma, a colossus of immense substance and someone no one can ever wave away. He has carved his life in gold, and more importantly, his afterlife in glory.
In 2025, Adebutu totally exhausted eight long days to celebrate his entry into the nonagerian club. His philanthropic gestures traveled through the cities of Ife, Iperu and Lagos, leaving behind soundtracks of immense generosity. These levels of generosity changed and still changing lives, redefined concepts and set new standards in the history of corporate social responsibility delivery.
Even at 91, Adebutu appear agile, able and full of wisdom. He is also highly prolific. It is worthy of note that once upon a time Adebutu added a glorious great feather to his crown of feathers, becoming the custodian of Yoruba culture, as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II conferred on him the Odole of Ile Ife, one of the most prestigious titles in Yorubaland, and Ife’s highest title.
The Odole title, reputed to be conferred on prominent individuals, who have distinguished themselves in all areas of human endeavours, is the sure honour for a man of Adebutu’s calibre and status. This is because the betting businessman, has not only excelled in business but has become a rare gem when it comes to looking after the less privileged and sending heartfelt endearments to as many as that cross his path. Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Godwin Olusegun Kolawole Ajayi (SAN) were former holders of the title
Popularly known as Baba Ijebu and Omo Iya, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, with an avanlanche of recognitions including CON, KJW and FISM, was born to late Alhaji karimu Folarin Adebutu aka “Owo-Iya” and late Alhaja Seliat Olasimbo Adebutu of Iperu Remo, Ikenne LGA in Ogun State on October 24, 1935. Sir Kesington completed his primary education in 1950 having attended the Wesley Primary School, Iperu Remo and later Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
In January 1951, he was admitted to Baptist Academy School, but he completed his secondary education at the grand Remo Secondary School (RSS), Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State. Baba Ijebu’s career endeavour started at Cable and Wireless Limited, which later became NITEL, as Operations Clerk. He later joined Claffins Chemicals as a salesman, and through dint of hardwork rose to become the Regional Sales Manager for Lagos and the then Midwestern Region. It was his quest to provide employment for teeming Nigerian youths that led to the establishment of Face Millionaires Pool Limited with his bosom friend, Chief Solomon Ayoku in 1969.
A philanthropist par excellence, Sir Kesington abandoned his ambition to become a lawyer, preferring to ‘enjoy’ life, and today, is the proprietor of Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), and promoter of the popular Premier Lotto, also known as Baba Ijebu – a scheme that has put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians. Adebutu, over the years, has used every opportunity that comes his way to affect lives of everyone he meets, especially during his birthdays and auspicious occasions. During his 80th birthday, Adebutu, whose Foundation was celebrating its 10th anniversary, conducted a free medical outreach programme at Iperu-Remo, Ogun state. In addition, he gave out eight brand new cars and other valuable gifts to loyal customers of Premier Lotto.
Sir kesington’s larger than life image is always in the public view, and he has been honoured on a good number of occasions. He was rewarded as an ICON and celebrated as a man of character, kindness and generosity during the Ogun at 40 celebrations in 2016. Other feathers on the crown of the man of possibilities include the traditional title of Asoju Oba of Lagos, which was conferred on him by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. When the man of means celebrated his 81st birthday, he wowed the congregation when instead of demanding gifts, tasked everyone to make a donation to the church, and tagged it “Adebutu Family Harvest”. His dedication to God is legendary.
He said during thanksgiving service that: “At 81, what work can I do, there is no work I can do at 81 years but the work of God”. That was 10 years ago, and that also explains how dedicated and close to his God he is.
A year later, during his 82nd birthday, he was quoted as saying: “At 82, what can one say? You have contributed immensely to worthy causes in the house of God. Even you have contributed to other worthy causes in the state and the society as a whole. People like you are rare to find. “What is now left for you is to continue to walk with God, love God the more, live your life for Him. So that at the end of your race on earth, you will reign with Him in heaven.”
In 2018, Adebutu was honored with double chieftaincy titles as the Baba-Oba Akarigbo of Remo by the Lord of Remo, His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and also honoured as Baba-Oba Alaperu of Akesan Land by His Royal Majesty, King Idowu Basibo (Odoru V), Sagamu in Ogun State, at the sprawling palace of the royal father in Sagamu Remo.
A worthy icon, well known business brand, philanthropist extra-ordinaire, Adebutu was at the forefront of helping to stem the tide of the Coronavirus pandemic with a generous donation of N300 million to the Lagos State government while commending ‘the dynamic efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in bringing succour to the sufferers of COVID-19 Pandemic in the state’.
In a letter the billionaire industrialist personally signed, he was quoted as saying “As a token of our support to the victims, myself, family and organisation are donating a modest sum of N300,000,000.00 towards which, we have forwarded the necessary instruction and our bankers – Wema Bank Plc has transferred the sum into the dedicated UBA account…”
The front line humanitarian, Adebutu is using his using his wealth of experience, spread and connection to positively affect the youths of Yoruba land, just as his predecessors did in the past.
He said: “With my emergence as Odole Oodua, the Yoruba race will witness new era of sociocultural development, unity and peace,” and he has been living up to expectation many years after. His contributions, donations and acts of benevolence continue to reverberate across the length and breadth of Yorubaland.
The grace behind his Odole status clearly summarises his larger than life personality
Adebutu is happily married with a host of very successful children.
This is wishing the great philanthropist, lover of humanity and distinguished gentleman a happy, prosperous 91st birthday!
Personality in Focus
Glo Celebrates Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe with Royal Banquet As 2026 Ofala Festival Ends
Globacom brought the 2026 Ofala Festival to a magnificent close on Wednesday with a royal banquet in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
The elegant gathering, attended by the monarch, members of his cabinet, Globacom’s trade partners and high-net-worth customers, marked the grand finale of the festival sponsored by the telecommunications and digital solutions company.
Speaking at the occasion, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South-East, Mike Ehumadu, said the event underscored the enduring significance of partnerships between corporate organisations and traditional institutions in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy and sustaining the traditions that give communities their distinctive identity.
He congratulated Igwe Achebe, the Ofala Festival organising committee and the people of Onitsha on the successful celebration of the 2026 edition, reaffirming Globacom’s commitment to initiatives that celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity, strengthen community bonds and project the country’s rich heritage to a wider international audience.
The evening unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of music, comedy and cultural entertainment. Guests were treated to performances from Aniweta Mazeli, Boy o Boy and the Groove Band, while comedian MC Ezegetive infused the gathering with laughter. The performers brought their artistry to bear on the occasion, enriching its atmosphere and creating cherished moments for the royal household, community leaders and other distinguished guests.
In further recognition of the competitive spirit, discipline and communal solidarity displayed by the various Onitsha age grades during the festival, Globacom rewarded winners of the different competitions with cash prizes and trophies. The gesture acknowledged not merely their achievements but also the collective pride and sense of belonging that animate the Ofala tradition. It also presented hundreds of bags of special Basmati rice to all the members of the different age grade associations.
Globacom’s sustained association with Ofala exemplifies the capacity of purposeful private-sector investment to preserve cultural heritage while broadening the social and economic benefits of traditional festivals.
