Foundation celebrates Herbert Macaulay, revives social legacy

The Macaulay Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and powered by Studio 18 Hub, has revived the social and cultural heritage of Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay through the Kirsten Hall Soiree, an evening of reminiscence of the 1940s Lagos social scene.

The event, held at Freedom Park, Lagos, on Friday night, recreated the atmosphere of the social gatherings hosted by Macaulay at his residence, Kirsten Hall, bringing together traditional music, dance and cultural expressions associated with the period.

The Chairman of the Macaulay Heritage Foundation, Gladstone Macaulay, said the initiative was part of a six-month programme designed to restore Herbert Macaulay’s place in Nigeria’s national consciousness and celebrate his contributions beyond politics and nationalism.

He said the foundation launched the programme because people often discussed Macaulay’s legacy mainly in connection with his political activism, overlooking his social life and cultural influence.

Macaulay was a nationalist and politician who, in 1944, co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons with Nnamdi Azikiwe and served as its president.

According to the foundation chairman, the programme began with prayers at Macaulay’s graveside, followed by activities marking his death anniversary and other initiatives to preserve his legacy.

He added that the foundation also organised an essay competition for secondary school students, attracting 80 schools, with the 10 best entries receiving prizes and awards.

The competition was held at CMS Grammar School, Lagos, which he described as significant because it was Macaulay’s alma mater and was established by his father.

The foundation also organised an art competition for university students, inviting them to interpret Macaulay’s image through different artistic mediums. The works were subsequently exhibited at J.K. Randle Centre.

Explaining the significance of the Kirsten Hall Soiree, Macaulay disclosed that the event was designed to showcase Macaulay’s social life and the role his gatherings played in bringing together influential people from different backgrounds.

He recalled that Macaulay regularly hosted social gatherings at his residence, where prominent Lagos personalities and other notable figures gathered to enjoy music and celebrate their shared cultural identity.

He stated, “Intellectualism without the social blend leaves something out.”

He noted that the foundation hopes to make the cultural celebration an annual event to ensure future generations remain connected to Lagos’s traditions and social history.

He added that the event was intended to promote unity, inclusiveness and selfless service, values he said were central to Macaulay’s contribution to Nigeria’s struggle for independence.

Macaulay noted that the nationalist supported people based on their contributions to the country rather than their ethnic backgrounds, adding that he sacrificed his personal resources and well-being for the nationalist cause.

• Duchess hospital moves to curb medical tourism after 44 open-heart surgeries
• Experts urge early intervention for children with developmental delays
• New Lagos varsity gets NUC approval for 34 courses

Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Taoreed Dosunmu, said promoting arts and culture remained a key responsibility of the ministry.

Dosunmu added that preserving the state’s cultural heritage required involvement from both government and families, particularly in exposing younger generations to traditions at risk of being forgotten.

He urged parents to bring their children to cultural events, noting that some adults were encountering aspects of Lagos’s traditional social life for the first time.

He said the experience demonstrated the need for sustained efforts to familiarise younger Nigerians with their cultural heritage and ensure its continuity.

Also speaking at the event, former military officer and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Olabode George, Herbert Macaulay’s great-grandnephew, praised the nationalist’s contributions to Nigeria’s political development and resistance to British colonial rule.

George reflected on Macaulay’s commitment to public service and the importance of preserving the values associated with his legacy, urging Nigerians to work for the collective good of their communities.

He also encouraged younger generations to learn about Macaulay’s life and contributions as the country prepares to mark the 160th anniversary of his birth in November.

Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, who turned 81 on the day of the celebration, expressed happiness over the recognition of Macaulay’s legacy.

Ojikutu, who said she was christened by Macaulay and grew up in a family closely connected to Nigeria’s nationalist movement, described him as an activist and freedom fighter whose contributions deserved greater recognition.

She recalled that her late father, a legal practitioner, was associated with Macaulay and other nationalists who worked towards Nigeria’s independence.

According to her, the social gatherings of that era provided opportunities for people to engage with music and political discussions in an atmosphere that encouraged participation without bitterness.

She commended the foundation for the initiative and called for sustained government support to ensure the cultural celebration continues.

Ojikutu also urged Nigerians to uphold integrity, selflessness and accountability, saying the values demonstrated by earlier nationalists should guide public service and national development.