By Engr. Emmanuel Okpong
The 2025 Africa Day commemoration in Nigeria concluded with tremendous success, marking one of the most impactful celebrations of Pan-African identity, unity, and intellectual engagement in recent years. Held as part of Africa Week 2025, the event brought together eminent national leaders, scholars, policymakers, cultural icons, and students from across the country for a series of rich conversations focused on Africa’s future.
Organized by the Nigeria Chapter of The Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), the celebration reinforced a powerful message: Africa’s destiny must be shaped by Africans—through knowledge, policy, culture, and collective action.
A National Conversation on Africa’s Place in the World
This year’s commemoration centered on the institutionalization of Africa Day in Nigeria, particularly the national advocacy campaign calling for May 25 to be recognized as an official public holiday.
The movement gained significant momentum during the National Webinar held on Saturday, May 24, which featured distinguished speakers from the highest levels of government and academia.
Key presentations included:
-
H.E. Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate
Theme: Nigeria in Global Pan-Africanism -
Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo
Theme: The Socio-Cultural Significance of Recognizing Africa Day as a National Public Holiday -
Hon. Patrick Umoh, Chairman, Committee on Legislative Agenda, House of Representatives
Theme: A Legislative Agenda for National Recognition of Africa Day -
Hon. (Dcn) Lawrence Udoide, Member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Theme: The Political Significance of Recognizing Africa Day as a National Holiday -
Prof. Ubong E. Umoh, Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State
Theme: The Educational Importance of Africa Day for Nigeria’s National Growth -
H.E. Madam Margaret T. Udoh, Chairman, Thamar Holdings Co. Ltd
Theme: The Family Impact of Recognizing Africa Day -
Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha, California State University & Vice President, TPADI
Theme: Why Nigeria Holds the Key to the African Renaissance
Together, these speakers delivered a rich and inspiring discourse, each reinforcing the need for Nigeria to take its rightful place as a leader in Pan-African integration and cultural renewal.
Africa Day: A Platform for Innovation, Reflection, and Determination
The Africa Day symposium provided space for professionals, researchers, students, and community leaders to engage deeply with issues affecting the continent.
Among the major thematic discussions were:
-
Institutionalizing Africa Day in Nigeria
-
Sustainable development and environmental resilience
-
Economic reforms and inclusive growth
-
Digital transformation and technological innovation
-
Social and cultural renewal across African communities
Participants described the event as energizing, intellectually stimulating, and deeply patriotic—a reminder of the collective responsibility to shape Africa’s transformation.
On-Site Celebrations at the University of Uyo
The commemorations continued on Monday, May 26 with an in-person cultural and educational event at the Onyeama Ugochukwu Hall, University of Uyo.
The Roundtable Dialogue featured:
-
Dr. Anieti Udofia, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State
-
Prof. Gabriel Umoh, TPADI Patron
-
Prof. Imoh Emenyi, TPADI Matron
This gathering highlighted the intersection of culture, identity, and national policy—reaffirming that Africa’s renaissance must be rooted in cultural memory, artistic expression, and indigenous knowledge.
A Renewed Commitment to Pan-Africanism
Across both the webinar and the in-person gathering, one message echoed clearly:
Africa’s future is in the hands of Africans.
Attendees left with a renewed sense of pride, unity, and determination to champion solutions for Africa’s growth.
The discussions sparked commitments from academics, policymakers, and youth leaders to sustain advocacy, deepen research, and push for stronger continental integration.
Why Recognizing Africa Day Matters
The call to institutionalize May 25 as a national public holiday resonated strongly throughout the events.
Speakers emphasized that such recognition would:
-
Strengthen African identity and global belonging
-
Foster unity across Nigeria’s diverse communities
-
Encourage the teaching of Pan-African history and values
-
Inspire cultural pride and continental cooperation
-
Position Nigeria as a leader in global Pan-African movements
This year’s celebration has set the stage for continued dialogue and legislative engagement in the months ahead.
A Celebration of Identity, Heritage, and Shared Progress
In the words of TPADI’s National Leadership:
“Africa Day is not just a date—it is a statement of who we are, where we come from, and the future we choose to build together.”
The 2025 Africa Day commemoration truly lived up to this vision, uniting Nigerians across all walks of life in the spirit of dignity, unity, and shared prosperity.