The struggle for the soul of Africa is no longer just about political independence—it is about cultural survival and intellectual sovereignty. At a major international press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI) took a historic stand. Led by our President, Dr. Effiong Udo, TPADI has officially called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare May 25 (Africa Day) a national public holiday. This is not a symbolic request. It is a strategic, urgent necessity to counter rising xenophobia, Afrophobia, and the deep-seated cultural alienation sweeping across the continent. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. It stands as a monument to our collective victory over colonialism, apartheid, racial oppression, and economic exploitation. Despite Nigeria’s historic and monumental sacrifices for African liberation, our national calendar remains silent on this crucial day.
“Despite Nigeria’s enormous sacrifices for African liberation and continental solidarity, Africa Day remains unrecognized officially within our national life. Formal recognition would create annual opportunities for civic education, cultural diplomacy, and historical reflection in our schools, universities, and traditional institutions.”
— Dr. Effiong Udo, TPADI President
Our silence has a cost. Dr. Udo strongly condemned the rising tide of hostility dividing African brothers and sisters across borders:
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Xenophobic Violence: Condemning the recurring, hostile attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa.
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Hostile Rhetoric: Calling out the targeted hostility faced by Nigerian migrants in Ghana.
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Divided Leadership: Criticizing recent remarks by Kenya’s President William Ruto mocking the English accents of Nigerians. Such remarks only serve to deepen unnecessary divisions and weaken the spirit of continental solidarity.
The crisis is not just external; it is internal. Dr. Udo highlighted a deeply troubling domestic incident: three young job seekers in Akwa Ibom State were reportedly mocked and denied access to a civil service recruitment process simply for presenting certificates in the Ibibio Language.
“When mastery of indigenous African languages becomes a basis for ridicule rather than pride, we are perpetuating colonial mentality and cultural self-rejection.”
To combat this, TPADI is calling on our leaders to lead by example:
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We urge Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intentionally champion Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural identity in their public appearances, attire, and speech. Leadership is as much symbolic as it is administrative.
A self-determined Africa must also protect its resources and honor its history. TPADI is urging the Federal Government to:
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Scrutinize Bilateral Agreements: Closely review treaties like the recent France-Nigeria taxation deal to ensure they protect Nigeria’s local industries and fiscal sovereignty.
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Support Reparations: Commend and actively back Ghana’s landmark initiative at the United Nations to formally recognize the Trans-Atlantic slave trade as “the greatest crime against humanity.”
To foster a truly unified and proud African nation, we recommend:
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Integrating Pan-African Studies into national educational curricula.
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Sponsoring Annual National Africa Day Festivals to celebrate our shared heritage.
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Developing Robust Legal Policies to actively promote and protect indigenous languages.
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Leading Continental Diplomatic Talks to permanently dismantle xenophobia and anti-African hostility.
This call to action builds on the momentum of TPADI’s recently concluded 2nd Biennial International Dialogue on Pan-Africanism and the historic launch of our $500 million scholarship fund at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The road to African unity requires bold, administrative action. Declaring May 25 a public holiday is the first step toward teaching the next generation of Nigerians that our identity is not a footnote in history—it is our greatest strength.
Join the conversation. Share this post, and let’s demand the recognition our heritage deserves!