Pan-Africanists Advocate African Unity, Women’s Inclusion at Ancestors Remembrance Day

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Prominent Pan-African advocates have called for renewed commitment to African unity, economic self-reliance, cultural rebirth and greater inclusion of women in leadership as part of efforts to accelerate the continent’s development.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by Princess Temitope Aladegoroye, the call was made during the 2026 Ancestors Remembrance Day held on Friday at Freedom Park, Lagos, where scholars, activists, cultural enthusiasts and Pan-Africanists gathered to honour Africa’s heroes and heroines while advancing discussions on liberation, cultural identity and nation-building.

Aladegoroye, an Owo Kingdom Princess, said the annual event, organised by the Movement of The People (MOP), featured keynote addresses by the organisation’s Chairman, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, activist Comrade Temitope Fagunwa, and herself.

Delivering the keynote address, Kuti challenged Africans to rediscover their identity and reclaim ownership of their history, culture and natural resources, stressing that genuine freedom begins with mental liberation.

According to him, “Africa’s greatest struggle today is not only political but psychological,” noting that many Africans have been conditioned to depend on external powers instead of building indigenous institutions capable of transforming the continent.

He urged Africans to unite in reclaiming control of their lands, resources and cultural heritage, adding that the sacrifices of the continent’s freedom fighters would only be meaningful if present and future generations remained committed to defending Africa’s sovereignty.

Speaking on “Africa’s Emancipation and the Ideology of Marcus Garvey,” Comrade Temitope Fagunwa said the philosophy of “One Africa, One People” remains a strong foundation for Pan-Africanism.

Fagunwa maintained that Africa’s liberation would remain incomplete until Africans embraced economic cooperation, cultural solidarity, technological advancement and political integration across the continent and the African diaspora.

He also urged young Africans to become active participants in nation-building, saying 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.

In her lecture titled “The Role of Women in Nation Building and National Development: Lessons from Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” Aladegoroye described women as indispensable partners in national development.

She said no society could achieve sustainable development while excluding women from leadership, education, governance, entrepreneurship and community development.

Drawing lessons from the life of the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Aladegoroye said the renowned nationalist demonstrated courage through her advocacy for women’s rights, education, democratic participation and social justice.

She urged young African women to embrace education, integrity, entrepreneurship and public service, saying, “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.”

Also speaking at the event, Comrade Joshua called for collective action in honouring Africa’s ancestors, while Comrade Olasunkanmi emphasised leadership and teamwork as critical to advancing the Pan-African vision.

Other participants advocated sustained efforts to free Africa from neo-colonialism, insisting that remembrance of the continent’s heroes should translate into practical commitments to justice, education, cultural preservation and community development.

The event featured cultural performances and ended with renewed calls for Pan-Africanism, social justice and the building of a united, self-reliant and globally respected Africa.