Angola reminds the world of Murtala Muhammed Role in Africa’s emancipation

The people and government of Angola recently bestowed an award of honour and recognition on Nigeria’s late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed. The award event which held over the weekend in the Country’s capital – Luanda, was part of activities marking the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The awards event which also had two other Nigerians, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari honoured with awards, recognised the historic contributions of Nigeria to Angola’s liberation struggle and Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African solidarity.

According to The Cable, General Murtala Mohammed was honoured posthumously for his decisive role in supporting Angola’s independence rom Portuguese colonial rule.

Nigeria played a pivotal role during Angola’s liberation struggle in the mid-1970s. At a time when the newly independent country faced economic blockade and international isolation, Nigeria—under General Murtala Mohammed’s leadership—was among the first to recognise the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government. The country also provided a financial lifeline of $17 million to help Angola rebuild and resist external pressures.