SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI, COMRADE TEMITOPE FAGUNWA AND PRINCESS ALADEGOROYE INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION AT FREEDOM PARK, LAGOS, NIGERIA

By Princess Aladegoroye

LAGOS, Nigeria – August 1, 2026

Ancestors Remembrance Day: Pan-African Voices Call for African Unity, Cultural Rebirth and Women's Leadership

Seun Anikulapo Kuti, Comrade Temitope Fagunwa and Princess Aladegoroye Inspire a New Generation at freedom park.

 Freedom Park, Lagos Island, came alive with the spirit of African history, culture and resistance as scholars, activists, cultural enthusiasts and Pan-Africanists gathered to commemorate Ancestors Remembrance Day, an annual event organised by the Movement of The People (MOP).

The gathering served as more than a memorial to Africa's departed heroes and heroines. It became a rallying point for renewed conversations on African liberation, cultural identity, economic independence, women's leadership and the urgent need for continental unity.

The programme featured thought-provoking lectures and passionate discussions led by prominent Pan-African advocates, including the Chairman of the Movement of The People, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, activist Comrade Temitope Fagunwa, and renowned broadcaster, humanitarian and Pan-African advocate Princess Aladegoroye.

Seun Anikulapo Kuti Calls for

 African Self-Determination

Delivering his keynote address, Seun Anikulapo Kuti challenged Africans to rediscover their identity and reclaim ownership of their history, culture and resources.

He stressed that genuine freedom cannot be achieved without mental liberation, cultural confidence and economic independence.

According to him, Africa's greatest struggle today is not only political but psychological, as generations have been conditioned to depend on external powers instead of building indigenous institutions capable of transforming the continent.

He urged Africans to move forward with courage, unity and determination, encouraging citizens to reclaim control over their lands, natural resources and cultural heritage from every form of exploitation and domination.

SEUN KUTI noted that the sacrifices of African freedom fighters and revolutionary leaders would only be meaningful if today's generation commits itself to defending Africa's sovereignty and preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.

His address received loud applause as participants echoed calls for African consciousness, dignity and self-reliance.

Comrade Temitope Fagunwa Champions Marcus Garvey's Pan-African Vision

Another major highlight of the event was the presentation by Comrade Temitope Fagunwa, who delivered an inspiring lecture on Africa's Emancipation and the Ideology of Marcus Garvey.

Tracing the historical significance of Garvey's movement, Fagunwa explained that Marcus Garvey's philosophy of "One Africa, One People" remains one of the strongest foundations for Pan-Africanism.

He maintained that Africa's liberation would remain incomplete until Africans embrace economic cooperation, cultural solidarity, technological advancement and political integration across the continent and throughout the African diaspora.

According to him, Garvey's message continues to resonate because it calls on Africans to reject inferiority, invest in African-owned enterprises, strengthen educational institutions and protect African history from distortion.

Comrade Fagunwa further urged young Africans to become active participants in nation-building rather than passive observers, stressing that the continent possesses the human and natural resources required to become one of the world's leading economic powers if united by a common vision.

His presentation sparked discussions among participants on regional cooperation, youth empowerment and the future of African integration.

Comrade Joshua emphasis the need for Africa unity and collaboration.

Comrade Olasunkanmi spoke on togetherness and embracing our culture identity.

Princess Aladegoroye Highlights Women's Role in Nation Building

One of the most compelling presentations came from Princess Aladegoroye, Broadcaster, Executive Director of Nubia Africa Media, Humanitarian, Cultural Ambassador and respected Pan-African advocate, who spoke on the topic:

"The Role of Women in Nation Building and National Development: Lessons from Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti."

Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary life of the late Nigerian nationalist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Princess Aladegoroye described women as indispensable architects of every successful nation.

She noted that no society can attain sustainable development while excluding women from leadership, education, governance, entrepreneurship and community development.

Using Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as a powerful case study, she recalled how the legendary activist transformed Nigerian society through fearless advocacy for women's rights, education, democratic participation and social justice.

Princess Aladegoroye explained that Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti challenged colonial oppression, mobilised thousands of women against unjust taxation, promoted education for girls and demonstrated that courageous leadership knows no gender.

According to her, the legacy of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti remains one of Africa's greatest examples of visionary leadership, resilience and patriotism.

She further emphasised that women continue to serve as educators, innovators, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs and custodians of cultural heritage, making their participation essential to national development.

Addressing young women across Africa, Princess Aladegoroye encouraged them to embrace education, integrity, entrepreneurship and public service while preserving African values and cultural identity.

She stated that Africa's future depends not only on strong governments but also on empowered women who are prepared to lead families, institutions, communities and nations with excellence and compassion.

Princess Aladegoroye also encouraged men to give women a chance in active politics and administration, just as her mentor (Chief Africas lawal ) a peace Advocate and Peace Ambassador put women at the forefront of Leadership. Chief Africas lawal encourages women participation on all fields ,saying , when we build our women,we build our Nation.

Her presentation received widespread commendation from participants, many describing it as one of the most inspiring lectures of the day for its historical depth and practical relevance to contemporary African development.

Honouring the Ancestors Through Action

Speakers agreed that remembering the ancestors should extend beyond ceremonial observances to practical commitments toward justice, education, cultural preservation and community development.

They maintained that the true honour due to Africa's forebears lies in building prosperous societies founded on integrity, unity, innovation and respect for African heritage.

As songs, cultural performances and moments of reflection concluded the event, participants departed with renewed determination to advance the ideals of Pan-Africanism, social justice and national transformation.

The 2026 Ancestors Remembrance Day at Freedom Park reaffirmed that the enduring vision of Africa's great freedom fighters continues to inspire a new generation committed to building a united, self-reliant and globally respected continent.