society
We Must Not Let Others Write Our History – Emir Sanusi II’s Bold Call for National Reawakening
We Must Not Let Others Write Our History – Emir Sanusi II’s Bold Call for National Reawakening.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Until Nigerians reclaim their narrative, they will remain spectators in their own story.”
When the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, speaks, the nation listens. Known for his fearless intellect and unflinching truth-telling, Emir Sanusi’s recent admonition (“We must not let others write our history”) is more than a passing remark; it is a thunderous call for national self-determination, intellectual revival and historical justice.
For too long, Nigeria’s story has been written by outsiders; colonial powers, foreign journalists and even local elites who inherited colonial mindsets. The tragedy is not merely that our history has been misrepresented; it is that Nigerians themselves have become detached from their own narrative. From the glorification of colonial conquest to the distortion of pre-colonial civilization, our IDENTITY has been SHAPED, EDITED and DEFINED by those who neither share our pain nor understand our potential.
Emir Sanusi’s words pierce the conscience of a generation that has forgotten that history is not just about the past, it is the foundation of a nation’s soul. As the late Chinua Achebe once wrote, “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Nigeria has too often been the hunted (economically, politically and culturally) while others have written our story to suit their agendas.
The Colonial Distortion of African Legacy.
The colonial era did not merely conquer African lands; it conquered African minds. British colonial education portrayed Africa as a continent without civilization before Europe’s arrival, a land waiting for salvation. YET, HISTORY PROVES OTHERWISE. Long before British boots touched our soil, the Nok civilization had already produced remarkable art and metallurgy; the Benin Empire had established sophisticated governance and diplomacy; and the Kanem-Bornu Empire had engaged in trans-Saharan trade centuries before Europe knew Africa existed.
Though, the British colonial curriculum erased these truths. Instead, Nigerian children were taught about the “GLORY OF THE EMPIRE,” the “BENEVOLENCE” of colonial masters and the “CIVILIZING MISSION” that brought light to a supposedly dark continent. The consequence is a psychological dependency that still lingers today; a mental subjugation that makes many Nigerians value foreign validation over local achievement.
As the Kenyan scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o powerfully observed, “The domination of a people’s language and history is the domination of their entire being.” Nigeria’s current predicament (from its confused national identity to its policy dependence on Western institutions) is a direct result of surrendering control of its historical narrative.
History Suppressed, Identity Lost.
The abolition of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools in 2009 was one of the most destructive decisions ever made in our educational system. For a decade, generations of young Nigerians grew up without structured knowledge of who they are, how their nation came to be and what sacrifices built it. It took until 2019 for History to be reintroduced, a decision long overdue but still insufficient.
Sanusi’s warning reminds us that nations that forget their past lose control of their future. Japan, after World War II, rewrote its own narrative not by denying its past mistakes but by defining its postwar destiny through self-reflection and cultural pride. China, too, refused to let foreign historians dictate its identity; instead, it taught its people to see history as the blueprint of destiny.
Why then should Nigeria (the giant of Africa, home to over 200 million people and one of the most culturally diverse nations on Earth) continue to depend on foreign voices to interpret its history?
A Narrative Hijacked by the Powerful.
Today, even within Nigeria, history is being rewritten by the powerful to sanitize failure and glorify mediocrity. The heroes of truth are silenced, while the architects of national decay are celebrated as “STATESMEN.” Our children grow up knowing more about European explorers than about Nigerian patriots like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Herbert Macaulay, Chief Arthur Prest or the great Ahmadu Bello.
The manipulation of history is not accidental; it is political. When leaders erase the memory of injustice, they erase accountability. When a society forgets where it came from, it cannot know where it is going. As Professor Wole Soyinka once warned, “The greatest threat to freedom is the erasure of memory.”
Sanusi’s intervention is thus a moral call to action, to resist the ongoing historical amnesia that allows corruption, tribalism and manipulation to thrive. It is a reminder that every Nigerian must become a CUSTODIAN of TRUTH, not a CONSUMER of PROPAGANDA.
Owning Our Story in the Digital Age.
In an era of social media and global information warfare, the control of narrative has become more critical than ever. Western media still portrays Africa as a continent of chaos, disease and corruption, conveniently ignoring its innovation, resilience and culture. The recent rise of platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) has given young Nigerians a chance to reclaim the narrative and to tell their own stories in their own voices.
However, this newfound freedom comes with responsibility. Misinformation, false history and tribal bias now threaten to replace colonial distortion with domestic distortion. As Sanusi implied, rewriting our history must not be about replacing one falsehood with another; it must be about truth.
Dr. Reuben Abati, a respected journalist and scholar, once noted, “The problem with Nigeria is not the absence of history, but the abundance of manipulated history.” It is time to cleanse our national memory through accurate documentation, honest teaching and transparent storytelling.
Reclaiming the Nigerian Narrative.
The task of rewriting Nigeria’s story belongs not only to HISTORIANS but to EVERY CITIZEN. From the CLASSROOM to the NEWSROOM, from the PULPIT to the PARLIAMENT, Nigerians must begin to assert their voices. Universities must prioritize indigenous scholarship. Filmmakers must tell stories that celebrate local heroes. Media houses must resist foreign framing. And government must institutionalize the preservation of historical archives before they are lost forever.
As the historian Toyin Falola wrote, “History is the architecture of identity. When you lose it, you lose your foundation.” Nigeria’s foundation today is shaky because the country has allowed its history to be fragmented, rewritten by the conqueror, reshaped by the corrupt and ignored by the youth.
Sanusi’s call is not merely academic; it is existential. If we do not tell our own story, others will and they will not tell it kindly.
Towards a New Narrative: The Future Belongs to Those Who Remember.
The time has come for Nigerians to rise and reclaim ownership of their narrative. Our story is not one of ENDLESS FAILURE, but of RESILIENCE; not one of POVERTY, but of PROMISE. It is the story of a people who built civilizations before Europe emerged from darkness; of artists, warriors, kings and visionaries who defined destiny long before colonial boundaries existed.
As the eminent Ghanaian historian Dr. Molefi Kete Asante asserted, “History is not the past. It is the map of the future.” The map of Nigeria’s future will remain unclear until we redraw it ourselves with honesty, courage and pride.
Emir Sanusi II has once again spoken truth to power. His message is simple but profound: NO FOREIGNER, NO POLITICIAN and NO PROPAGANDIST should be allowed to write Nigeria’s history. That responsibility belongs to Nigerians, to scholars, teachers, writers and every citizen who believes that truth not distortion, must guide our journey as a nation.
GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE NATION’S PRESSING CHALLENGES — BISHOP MARTINS URGES AT CHRISM MASS
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, was filled with joy, reverence, and renewed commitment on Holy Thursday as Catholic faithful across the metropolis gathered for the annual Chrism Mass — a solemn celebration marking the institution of the priesthood, the Holy Eucharist, and the blessing of sacred oils used throughout the liturgical year.
During the ceremony, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, described the Chrism Mass as a profound moment in the life of the Church.
He noted that it offers priests an opportunity to renew their vows and reflect on the centrality of the Eucharist, which he emphasized remains the heartbeat of the Catholic faith.
Addressing national issues, Bishop Martins acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s current challenges.
However, he stressed the need for more decisive and accelerated interventions, particularly in securing lives and easing the economic burdens confronting citizens.
He congratulated priests on their feast day and reflected on the rising influence of digital evangelization. While recognizing that many people now “inhabit online spaces,” he warned clergymen to handle social media with caution, discipline, and fidelity to Church teachings. According to him, digital influence must never overshadow spiritual integrity.
“The oils blessed today are not simply symbols; they speak of being set apart by a mark not earned, not crafted, but given,” he said. “As we renew our promises, we do not recreate ordination; we awaken memory. We were not ordained to build profiles but to bear Christ.”
He further noted that the digital world has become a place where people “gather, argue, celebrate, confess, misunderstand, and sometimes encounter truth.” For this reason, he said the Church recognizes the need to take the Gospel into that space without compromising its authenticity.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Paul Akin-Otiko, Chaplain of St. Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Lagos, emphasized the enduring significance of the Chrism Mass as an ancient tradition where sacred oils are consecrated.
He urged priests to pray fervently for the sick using the blessed oils, reminding them that true healing comes from God.
Fr. Akin-Otiko encouraged clergy to remain selfless, warning them never to turn the Church into a source of personal gain.
He stressed that their primary duty is the salvation of souls and the welfare of the people entrusted to them.
Monsignor John Aniagwu took a moment to appreciate Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie for his fatherly guidance and exemplary leadership. He prayed for God’s continued blessings, asking that all present be granted good health to witness many more Chrism Masses.
The highlight of the ceremony was the renewal of vows by hundreds of priests, who reaffirmed their commitment to lives of dedication, chastity, and obedience to the Church and their bishop — an act that drew heartfelt applause from the congregation.
The celebration concluded with songs of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed devotion.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
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