The Convener of the Correct Connect Africa Foundation (CCAF), Rev. Father Anthony Aleakwe Odior, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to officially recognize Africa Memorial Day (AMD) as a public holiday across the continent.
Speaking during this year’s AMD commemoration in Lagos, Odior emphasized the significance of the day as an opportunity for reflection, unity, and remembrance of Africa’s heroes and heroines. He said the annual event serves as a call to action for Africans to reconnect with their history and use it as a foundation to build a more just and equitable future.
“Africa Memorial Day is a reminder of our duty to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” said Odior. “We must forgive history, but we must never forget. We must honour the memory of those who fought for freedom and justice.”
The 2025 celebration was themed “Historical Consciousness and Human Justice”, which Odior described as a call for Africans to develop a mindset that not only understands the past but also uses that understanding to reshape the present and future.
“It is not enough to simply know our history. We must interpret it, question it, and apply its lessons to the challenges we face today,” he said. “Without historical consciousness, we cannot truly honour the legacies of visionaries such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Queen Amina of Zaria, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Chinua Achebe, Thomas Sankara, Kwame Nkrumah, Harriet Tubman, and Queen Nzinga of Ndongo.”
Odior also advocated for the reintroduction and strengthening of history education in African schools, arguing that future generations must be equipped to understand and uphold the continent’s heritage.
He revealed that the concept for Africa Memorial Day originated eight years ago among a group of African students in the Diaspora who felt compelled to honour their ancestors and commemorate the continent’s many freedom fighters, monarchs, martyrs, and cultural icons.
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana, who also spoke at the event, echoed Odior’s sentiments. He emphasized the need for Africans to develop a deeper understanding of their roots.
“Africa cannot truly progress without knowing where it has come from,” said Falana. “Historical awareness is the key to reclaiming our dignity and charting a collective path forward.”
Africa Memorial Day is observed annually by CCAF as a symbolic day of reflection on Africa’s liberation struggles and a tribute to those who envisioned and fought for a united, sovereign continent.
