By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI) has called on the Federal Government to officially recognise May 25 as a public holiday in Nigeria to honour the contributions of Pan-Africanists toward building a united and prosperous Africa.
The group also condemned the continued spread of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks across the continent, citing recent incidents in South Africa and Ghana.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Monday to commemorate this year’s Africa Day, TPADI President, Effiong Udoh, said recognising Africa Day as a national holiday would reinforce Nigeria’s historic role in promoting African unity and continental development.
According to him, Nigeria has consistently played a leading role in liberation struggles, regional peacekeeping, and African diplomacy.
“Nigeria has always stood as a pillar of liberation and solidarity, from anti-apartheid struggles to peacekeeping efforts and regional diplomacy. Recognising Africa Day officially would therefore not be an act of charity,” he said.
Udoh noted that several African countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mali, Guinea, and Lesotho, already formally observe Africa Day, adding that Nigeria should not be left out.
“We therefore renew our appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria to officially declare May 25 as Africa Day and recognise it as a national public holiday,” he stated.
The institute also advocated the integration of Pan-African studies and African history into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, alongside support for Africa Day festivals, exhibitions, lectures, and cultural activities.
It further called for the promotion of indigenous African languages and cultural heritage, while urging public institutions and media organisations to intensify campaigns against xenophobia, Afrophobia, and anti-African hostility.
“We also call on civil society organisations, universities, youth groups, traditional institutions, artists, media practitioners, religious communities, and the African diaspora to join this campaign,” Udoh added.
The TPADI president disclosed that the institute, in collaboration with the World Council on Pan-Africanism and the University of Abomey-Calavi in the Benin Republic, would host the 2nd Biennial International Dialogue in Pan-Africanism next month in Cotonou.
According to him, the conference aims to move Pan-Africanism beyond rhetoric and focus on practical transformation across the continent.
Udoh also commended the launch of a proposed $500 million scholarship fund aimed at expanding educational opportunities for African youths and promoting knowledge production within Africa.
“We warmly invite the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, universities, media organisations, traditional institutions, corporate organisations, civil society groups, students, and all lovers of Africa to identify with and participate in this historic confab,” he said.
“Africa will not transform itself by slogans alone. Africa will rise when Africans organise, educate, collaborate, build institutions, support one another, and invest intentionally in future generations. The future of Pan-Africanism must therefore be a Pan-Africanism of action.”
He concluded with a call for unity across the continent, saying: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. Our unity is our strength. Our solidarity is our protection. Our dignity is our future.”
