An international think tank of African professionals, ‘The Pan-African Dialogue Institute’ TPADI has appealed to the federal government to formally declare May 25, Africa Day, as a National Public Holiday in Nigeria.
It noted that such a declaration will be in recognition of the collective struggle of African people against colonialism, apartheid, racial oppression, cultural dominance as a reminder that Africans share a common history, wounds, aspirations, and ultimately, a common destiny.
Addressing a world press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital in commemoration of the 2026 Africa Day, President of TPADI, Effiong Joseph Udo, an associate professor, regretted that despite Nigeria’s enormous sacrifices for African liberation and continental solidarity in the past, Africa Day remains unrecognised officially within its national life.
He noted that the omission has become increasingly disturbing in a period when Africa faces rising internal fragmentation, Afro-phobia, xenophobic hostility, cultural alienation, and growing disrespect among Africans.
He said if Africa Day is institutionalized in Nigeria, it can provide annual opportunities for celebrating indigenous African languages, oral traditions, local philosophies, and encourage younger generations to embrace their heritage with confidence rather than shame.
Udo noted that countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mali, Guinea, and Lesotho had already formally recognized Africa Day because they understand the importance of symbols in nation-building and continental identity, urging the Nigerian government not to be left out.
The statement in parts, ‘Today, we gather to renew our call upon the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, to formally recognize May 25 (Africa Day) as a National Public Holiday in Nigeria. This appeal is not symbolic rhetoric. It is a strategic, urgent, and of national and continental necessity.
“An official recognition of May 25 as a public holiday would provide annual opportunities for civic education, cultural diplomacy, historical reflection, and continental engagement. It would create space for schools, universities, media institutions, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and government agencies to educate younger generations about African history, civilizations, liberation struggles, and contemporary challenges.
“Africa Day in Nigeria can become a platform for confronting xenophobia and Afro-phobia; promoting African cultural literacy and historical consciousness; strengthening continental diplomacy and African cooperation; and a forum for discussing trade, migration, peace building, unity and development in Africa.’’
He also called on the Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the senate president, Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders to intentionally reflect and promote Akwa Ibom cultural identity in their public appearances and dress patterns from time to time.
The president further made other demands to Nigerian government including, Integration of Pan-African studies and African history into educational curricula; Supporting national Africa Day festivals, lectures, exhibitions, and cultural activities; Leading continental conversations against xenophobia, Afro-phobia, and anti-African hostility even as he urged the media, civil society organizations, religious communities, and the African diaspora to join the campaign.
