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Flagging The Conscience Of Truth

Pan-Africanism and Agostinho Neto’s Legacy: Adewale Onagbesan and President Olusegun Obasanjo Reflect at Memorial Event

ByWeb Manager

Sep 30, 2024

As Africa commemorated Angola’s National Founder’s and Heroes Day, dignitaries gathered to honor Dr. Agostinho Neto, Angola’s first president, and a pioneering Pan-African leader.

The event, which took place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, included powerful reflections from Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and renowned Pan-African advocate and historian Adewale Onagbesan. Both highlighted the enduring influence of Neto’s vision for African unity, liberation, and self-determination.
Adewale Onagbesan expanded on Neto’s contributions, emphasizing his role not just as a political figure but as a visionary for Pan-Africanism.

Onagbesan’s reflections centered on the Netoian Model of Leadership and Netoism a framework based on resilience, unity, and self-determination. He noted that Neto’s leadership of the MPLA and his commitment to African solidarity made him a crucial figure in the broader African liberation movement.

“Agostinho Neto’s approach to governance was rooted in the belief that African nations must be free from external control and united in their quest for self-determination,” Onagbesan remarked. He explained that Neto’s efforts to unify political factions within Angola and his unwavering support for liberation movements across Southern Africa exemplified the true essence of Pan-Africanism.

Onagbesan also discussed Neto’s contributions beyond politics, pointing to his poetry as an essential part of his legacy. “Neto’s literary works captured the struggles of the African people and served as a cultural call to arms. His writing wasn’t just about resistance; it was about reclaiming African identity and inspiring future generations,” he said.

During the ceremony, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a close ally of the Pan-African movement during Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting Angola’s liberation, spoke about Neto’s remarkable leadership. Obasanjo praised Neto’s lifelong dedication to the liberation of Angola and his support for freedom movements across the continent.

In his speech, Obasanjo noted, “Neto embodied the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. His unwavering belief in African solidarity and unity was a driving force behind Angola’s independence and continues to inspire today’s generations.” He recalled Nigeria’s active role, especially during the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, in supporting Neto’s MPLA during Angola’s struggle for independence, emphasizing the significance of Africa’s collaborative efforts during that era.

Obasanjo also stressed the need for contemporary African leaders to draw inspiration from Neto’s legacy. “The continent must return to the ideals that leaders like Neto lived for—unity, cooperation, and a shared destiny. Only by doing so can we tackle the new challenges facing Africa today,” he stated. His message was clear: Africa must look within to build strong, self-reliant nations and resist foreign influences that threaten its progress.

Both Olusegun Obasanjo and Adewale Onagbesan emphasized that Neto’s ideas remain as relevant today as they were during Africa’s struggle for independence. Obasanjo’s message focused on the role of modern African leaders in upholding the values of unity and self-determination, while

Onagbesan called for a renewed commitment to the Pan-African agenda. In his closing remarks, Onagbesan urged African governments to revisit Neto’s ideals to address contemporary challenges like economic dependency and political instability. “The legacy of Pan-Africanism is not just history; it’s a roadmap for our future. We must work together as African nations to ensure that our progress is driven by African solutions,” he said.

As the event concluded, both Olusegun Obasanjo and Adewale Onagbesan’s words resonated with attendees, reminding them of the enduring power of Pan-Africanism and the importance of leaders like Agostinho Neto in shaping Africa’s destiny.

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