Nelson Mandela: The Immortal Voice of African Unity, Justice and Freedom.

Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” ~ Nelson Mandela

On this day, celebrated globally as “Nelson Mandela International Day”, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of a man whose life was dedicated to justice, reconciliation and the rebirth of a continent long battered by colonialism, division and systemic oppression. Mandela was not just a South African icon; he was a towering figure of African hope and a symbol of what moral leadership truly looks like in the face of brutality and brokenness.

His voice still echoes across the plains of Africa, calling for unity, tolerance, dignity and self-reliance. Born on July 18, 1918, in the small village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, **Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela** rose from a rural boyhood to become the face of global resistance against apartheid. His journey (from lawyer to revolutionary, prisoner to president) was marked by an unyielding belief that **Africa could be better, freer and united.** — ### **Mandela’s Quotes: A Moral Compass for Africa** Nelson Mandela’s speeches and writings were not merely inspiring; they were instructions for rebuilding broken nations and restoring the African dignity.

His words were weapons against division and tools for reconciliation. “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” This quote, from his famous *Rivonia Trial* speech in 1964, encapsulates the very heart of Mandela’s mission not just for South Africa, but for all African nations riddled with inequality. Mandela envisioned a continent where race, tribe and religion would no longer be instruments of oppression but markers of diversity and strength. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Mandela believed that Africa’s future was tied to its schools, not its armies. Today, as many African leaders prioritize infrastructure over human development, Mandela’s words remain a timely reminder that “true transformation begins in the classroom”, not just the boardroom.

“We must use time creatively and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” Africa has wasted too many years in the hands of greedy leaders who think leadership is a license to loot. Mandela challenges every African president, senator, governor and councilor: *Do the right thing—now.* — ### *Mandela the Reconciler: Unity in Diversity* Mandela’s greatness lies not just in his resistance, but in his *forgiveness*. After 27 years of incarceration, many expected revenge. Instead, Mandela *CHOSE RECONCILIATION*, helping to heal a nation deeply divided along racial lines. His presidency (1994–1999) focused on building bridges, not walls. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

Mandela taught Africa that courage is not in guns or speeches, but in forgiving those who hurt us and uniting with those we disagree with. He did not just forgive his jailers, he invited them into his government. *That is leadership. That is Mandela.* “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, his background or his religion.” This quote must be printed in every classroom across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan and South Africa. Tribalism, xenophobia and religious bigotry are Africa’s modern-day chains. Mandela urged us to “SEE HUMANITY before ETHNICITY”, to value CHARACTER above CLAN. *Mandela on Leadership: Africa’s Cry for Integrity* In a continent plagued by corruption, Mandela’s life offers a stark contrast. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” Mandela proved that leadership must come with both intellect and empathy. Today, too many African leaders rule with heads cold as stone and hearts hard as steel. Mandela showed that “COMPASSION is not WEAKNESS”; it is power, rightly used.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” This is the question every African politician must ask themselves daily. Are you adding value or extracting it? Mandela’s leadership was sacrificial; he lived not for his own comfort, but for the empowerment of his people. *Mandela and the Youth: The Guardians of Tomorrow*. “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” In Mandela’s world, young people are not future leaders they are *PRESENT STAKEHOLDERS*. Across Africa, the youth make up over 60% of the population, yet are often marginalized. Mandela challenged the status quo and encouraged youth to rise intellectually, morally and politically. He did not just speak about youth empowerment; he invested in it. Today, initiatives like the *Nelson Mandela Foundation* and the *Mandela Rhodes Foundation* continue to GROOM AFRICAN TALENT, offering scholarships, mentorship and leadership training. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This quote is the fuel that has kept many African startups, grassroots movements and civil rights campaigns alive. From Nigeria’s EndSARS protests to youth-led climate justice movements in Uganda, Mandela’s words remind us that “RESISTANCE BIRTHS POSSIBILITY”. Mandela on African Solidarity: A United Front. “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” Mandela didn’t see African nations as isolated islands.

He believed in continental unity, a brotherhood beyond borders. His support for anti-colonial movements across the continent, from Zimbabwe to Angola, proves this. In an era where African governments still rely heavily on foreign aid and international validation, Mandela’s life reminds us that “SELF-DETERMINATION” is the only path to lasting freedom. As he said: “I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.” Mandela’s Legacy: What Africa Must Learn, 1.) Forgiveness is not weakness, but strength in its purest form, 2.) Unity must override tribalism, religion and race, 3.) Leadership is a call to serve not an opportunity to steal, 4.) Education, not war, is the future of Africa, 5.) Youth empowerment must be more than slogans.

Final Thoughts: Mandela Is Not Dead. Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013, but his ideas did not. He lives in the dreams of every child who wants to go to school, in the chants of every protester who demands justice, in the hands of every African leader who still believes that power is for service. “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.” Yes, Mandela has earned his rest; but we who remain must work. Africa owes it to Mandela (and to itself) to rise beyond divisions and build the continent he saw in his dreams. Let today, “MANDELA DAY”, be more than a moment of memory. Let it be a day of ACTION, EDUCATION, and REFLECTION. Let us ask: What would Madiba do? And are we ready to do the same?

— **Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester** *Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com*

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Pays Tribute to a National Icon

In a heartfelt condolence message, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, has joined the rest of the nation in mourning the death of former President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing his passing as the departure of a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman whose legacy will remain indelible in Nigeria’s history.

In the statement released to the press, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the former Head of State and President, calling it a moment of “national grief and solemn reflection.”

“His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, was more than a leader, he was a symbol of discipline, duty, and commitment to national integrity. His life, marked by sacrifice and stoic patriotism, leaves behind a legacy that will resonate far beyond his years.”

The business leader and philanthropist praised the late Buhari’s journey from the military trenches to the highest civilian office in the land, noting the rare courage and conviction with which he navigated leadership in both roles.

“From the battlefields as a gallant general to the seat of power as a democratically elected President, he served with honour. He was austere, yet compassionate; firm, yet loyal to the unity of Nigeria,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking remarked.

He extended his deepest sympathies to the family. “You have not only lost a patriarch, but the nation has lost a father figure, a sentinel of moral strength, and a resolute defender of the Nigerian dream”, he stated.

He urged Nigerians not to mourn as those without hope, but to reflect on and uphold the values of discipline, resilience, and unity, which were embodied by the former President.

“Though his voice may now be silent, the echoes of his convictions for a greater Nigeria will continue to inspire generations to come,” he concluded.

The former President, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a two-term civilian President from 2015 to 2023, passed away leaving behind a storied legacy of service to the nation.

Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking’s tribute joins a chorus of voices across the nation and the world, honouring a man whose life was an attestation of loyalty, sacrifice, and enduring national purpose.

Buhari’s Legacy in Nigeria: Discipline, Discord and Disillusionment.

Introduction.
Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025) remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing political figures. From military ruler to democratically elected president, his life was a testament to ambition and controversy. Today, as history sorts his legacy, the record reveals responsibility, resilience and repeated failures. This is the tale of the good, the bad and the ugly under Buhari’s watch, crafted to offer sharper understanding through Warri-born writer George Omagbemi Sylvester’s trenchant narration.

The Good: Integrity, Anti‑Corruption and Symbolic Breakthroughs. Breaking Historical Barriers. In 2015, Buhari achieved what no opposition candidate had before; he defeated a sitting president in free elections, shattering a long-standing political norm in Africa’s most populous nation. His victory broadcast a message of democratic progress beyond mere rhetoric.

Anti‑corruption Flame Buhari’s signature slogan (“If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria”) became his hammer. The EFCC, under his watch, secured 603 convictions by 2018, including high-ranking officials and judges. This was a rare instance of Nigerian judicial and political elites being held to account.

Symbolic Modesty. Known for his austere personality, Nigeria’s former leader cultivated an image of restraint; favoring public service over luxury. The world saw him as an embodiment of discipline, a throwback to the war-torn country’s promise.

The Bad: Economic Mismanagement, Insecurity and Political Arrogance, Economic Turmoil.
Buhari inherited a faltering economy, worsened by collapsing oil prices. In Q2 2015, growth shrank from over 6% to a mere 2.35%.

The Budgit Foundation. Under his watch, Nigeria plunged into two recessions (2016, 2020) and endured inflation rates above 20%. The debt-to-GDP ratio doubled (18%→35%), while 133 million Nigerians slid into poverty. The Budgit Foundation Analysts at BudgIT summarised: “weak grip on governance… failed woefully” in offering functional solutions.

Persisting Insecurity
Buhari claimed, “Technically, we have won the war against Boko Haram” in December 2015. In reality, terrorism, banditry and kidnappings persisted. Analysts at the Council on Foreign Relations noted his “failure to establish emotional connection with the public” and his authoritarian 1970s command style.

Council on Foreign Relations. Attacks like the Dalori massacre in Kaduna State, which killed dozens of villagers despite Buhari’s “victory” declaration earlier that year, exemplified the chasm between rhetoric and ground realities.

Economic Protectionism Backfired. Buhari’s border closure (2019) to boost local agriculture resulted instead in surging inflation and worsening currency weakness. The naira was artificially pegged, creating dollar shortages and scaring away investors.

Authoritarian Overtones. Democratically elected, Buhari nevertheless exhibited authoritarian instincts. Under his reign, Twitter was banned for seven months after it deleted one of his tweets. The #EndSARS protests in 2020 saw peaceful demonstrators shot at Lekki toll gate; reports estimate at least 12 killed by soldiers. Human rights advocates flagged a “very poor” national record under Buhari.

The Ugly: Deflection, Dismissiveness, Cultural Disconnection and Selective Justice. Buhari’s anti-corruption drive was widely criticized as partisan. Former Secretary to the Government, Chief Olu Falae, called it “selective and getting out of hand” in 2016. Critics repeatedly observed that investigations were heavily tilted towards opposition figures.

Demeaning Gender Stereotypes. One moment marked a nadir when Buhari flippantly declared abroad: “My wife belongs in my kitchen, my living room and the other room”. The remark, directed at wife Aisha Buhari, sparked immediate outrage from rights groups, pointing to a disturbing regression in gender politics.

Youth Alienation. Buhari referred to younger Nigerians as “lazy youths” who expected free housing and healthcare; displaying contempt for a demographic entrenched in systemic barriers and suffering 33% unemployment. The infamous #LazyNigerianYouths backlash crystallized the depth of his misunderstanding of youth struggles. The #EndSARS protests underscored systemic police atrocities, met by government suppression and personnel salary refusal even after Buhari’s forced acquiescence.

Voices from Nigerian Analysts
Akeem Alao (Lagos teacher): “Buhari left a legacy of debt that continues to sabotage the economic efforts of his successors.”
Benzie Record Patriot

BudgIT Research Team: The administration “failed woefully” to uplift the everyday Nigerian despite heavy spending on infrastructure.

Council on Foreign Relations: Buhari “lacked the wherewithal to govern… exuded an air of someone trapped in a 1970s command and control mindset,” and appeared “a man out of his depth.”

Olu Falae (former SGF): “Selective and getting out of hand” he denounced the selective nature of the anti-corruption campaign.

Facts‑Check Summary
Claim /Reality
Buhari crashed corruption fundamentally EFCC secured 603 convictions, Transparency International ranked Nigeria 146/180 in 2020.

Boko Haram defeated Counter repeatedly: Dalori village (2015) attacked; insecurity shifted to banditry
Nigerian economy improved Not so: Two recessions, inflation above 20%, poverty spike, debt doubling

Youth were “lazy” 33% unemployment rate; youth-led #EndSARS protests; public backlash

Closing Remarks. Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure straddles contradiction. He hailed from a disciplined military background, promising anti-corruption zeal and democratic renewal. Yet his presidency was marked by economic collapse, violated civil rights and a cultural disconnect from everyday Nigerians, especially youth and women.

At his death on July 13, 2025, Nigerians remain sharply divided: some see a patriot who dare challenge entrenched systems; others view a leader whose iron fist belied democratic facade. His cautionary tale underscores this: noble intentions need effective implementation, empathy and inclusive governance to truly transform Nigeria.

This retrospective, penned by George Omagbemi Sylvester for saharaweeklyng.com, presents Buhari’s legacy with clarity, evidence and intellectual honesty, so that Nigeria’s next leaders learn from both the victories and failures etched into his controversial history.