MMF Profile

E n g e n d e r i n g C h a n g e

F O U N D A T I O N

Engendering Change 1

“We must endeavour to reduce the high cost ofliving for everyone and this government willdo its best to contain the burden of inflation,

so that all sections of the population cancontinue to enjoy a meaningful life which this

nation must offer all its citizen”Gen. Murtala Muhammed

July 1975

Sir. Ketumile MasireMurtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture 2003

“While we must defend our own vital interests, we should avertthose confrontations that create animosity between kindred,neighbours, and between nations”

Contents:2 The Murtala Muhammed Foundation

4 A word from the chairman

6 The Path to Enduring Change; CEO's Message

8 Disaster Relief

10 New Venture Development

12 Policy Advocacy

14 Unveiling the Real Issues

17 Building a Hub for Change

20 The Man: General Murtala Muhammed

25 Board of Trustees' Profile

28 Management

29 Contact

Engendering Change2

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is a non-profit organization, founded onthe ideals of the Late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, a former Head of State of Nigeria(1975-76). MMF as it is today was inaugurated in 2001 and launched on the 13th ofFebruary 2002, a day that coincided with the 26th anniversary of General MurtalaMuhammed’s assassination.

MMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans. The Foundation specificallyfocuses on engendering self-reliance and fulfillment through policy and advocacy issuesthat impact on ethics, equity, good governance and economic empowerment,encouraging new venture development including in the area of agriculture and providingmedium term disaster relief.

“To be an institution that transcends allboundaries, dedicated to the socio-economic development of Africa ”

Our Vision

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation

“General Murtala Muhammed will forever be remembered for hiscourage in trying to steer Nigeria on a democratic, peaceful path-courage for which he paid the ultimate price when he wasassassinated just 8 months into office as President”Right Honourable Jack StrawLord High Chancellor of Great Britain and Secretary of State for Justice

Engendering Change2


Policy Advocacy

Policy advocacy in the Foundation focuses onencouraging the Federal Government, States andLegislatures to introduce policies, strategies andprogrammes that promote wealth creation, economicempowerment, equity, ethics, accountability andexemplary leadership and to raise the level of nationaldiscourse in the same areas. The Foundation’smedium, the Annual Lectures and BiennialConferences continue to draw stakeholders andbeneficiaries to campaign for policy and societalchanges on developmental issues.

New Venture Development

The New Venure Development (NVD) has challengedthe Murtala Muhammed Foundation to reach out tosmaller communities through Philanthropic donationsand Mirofinance Support for small businesses. TheFoundation is working to also improve the quality ofeducation through the support of school facility

development, education development initiatives andeducational scholarship. The New VentureDevelopment which also includes agricultural servicesfocuses on improving productivity within the farmingcommunities by facilitating the sharing of valuableinformation (agriculture extension service) andpromoting NVD opportunities in agricultural productprocessing, agricultural tools manufacturing and otherrelated sectors for the economic development offarming communities.

Disaster Relief

The Disaster Relief Service provides relief tocommunities affected by man made or naturaldisasters by restoring destroyed infrastructure (e.g.Housing, schools, water supply) following a disaster .The Foundation’s Disaster Relief efforts have spannedthe supplies of food and immediate relief materials tovictims as well as mid-term relief services particularlyinfrastructural development, thereby strengthening

disaster recovery capacity of affected communities.

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation


“MMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life ofAfricans. The Foundation specifically focuses onengendering self-reliance and fulfillment through policyand advocacy issues that impact on ethics, equity, goodgovernance and economic empowerment, encouragingbusiness development including in the area ofagriculture and providing medium term disaster relief.”

Engendering Change4

It gives me great pleasure to continue to work with the

Murtala Muhammed Foundation in remembrance of one of

our nation’s greatest patriots. As a mark of our resolve to

actualize our mission strategy, we decided to enhance the

fabric of social consciousness towards some of the socio-

economic issues that impact on the Nation and Africa. The

Foundation, through its policy and advocacy programs, is

ensuring collective collaboration in defining sustainable

solutions to development. This has therefore formed the basis

of the programs and activities of the Foundation.

A word from the Chairman

A word from the ChairmanEngendering Change:

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFRChairman, Murtala Muhammed Foundation

Engendering Change4


In no small measure, the impact of our annual lectureand Biennial conference series which started in 1991has been tremendous. Transcending differentadministrations, these series have become a magneticpull on opinion and thought leaders, captains ofindustries, members of the diplomatic corps, and chiefexecutives of multinationals who are in the forefront ofdevelopment engagement. The depth of participationand emerging alliances from this lecture and conferenceseries deeply underscore the importance participantsattribute to the selected themes and keynote speakers.It also underscores the burning desire of key players inthe Nigerian society to keep abreast and up-to-date onthe solution to Nigeria and Africa’s diverse problems.

One of the underlying considerations in our commitmentto wealth creation and poverty reduction is to build goodgovernance, engender peace and security, stem thegrowth rates of terrorism and crime and sustain theenvironment; it must be a collective effort to win whilelosing is a collective failure. However, at the core of theseissues are fundamentals; if skillfully addressed,undoubtedly will produce sustainable growth anddevelopment.

We are working with different reputable organizationsto leverage on their networking and best practice. Ourcollaboration with international private sectororganizations such as London Metropolitan University,Computer Aid International, has afforded us diverseopportunities.

We wish to thank our resource persons, donors,individuals, corporate organizations, governmentagencies. Though our donors have remained loyal,there is still a yawning gap to support more programs.

Ultimately we are relentless, through our programs, inachieving the statement of our mission which is toimprove the living conditions of Africans bycontributing to reduction of poverty and eliminationof conflict, while "promoting self-reliance and self-fulfillment”.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFRChairman, Murtala Muhammed Foundation

A word from the Chairman

...the impact of our annual lecture and conference series whichstarted in 1991 has been tremendous. Transcending differentadministrations, these series have become a magnetic pull onopinion and thought leaders, captains of industries,...


Engendering Change6

Though the Foundation had focused strongly on itscore mission areas namely disaster management, policyand advocacy, agric related business development, therealities have compelled the Foundation to becomemore dynamic in meeting needs of beneficiaries andpartners that fall outside these core areas, in NewVenture Initiatives, Educational Development, Grantsand Philanthropy.

At Murtala Muhammed Foundation, we are committedto assembling and connecting influential voices, whosecontributions echo progressive change across theNation. As a result, MMF has championed policyadvocacy campaigns in Nigeria since inception and itslectures have become a centre stage for policystatements. The Foundation has over the years,strengthened its forte in lecture presentations and hasresounded its authority with the Annual MemorialLectures and Biennial Conferences, covering a widescope of topical socio-political issues that touchdifferent aspects of life. It is pertinent to note that thelectures have over time become fora for deliberationon pertinent developmental issues of our time thataffect and change the course of history. It has had pastand present Heads of States and distinguishedstatesmen and women from within and from withoutas speakers. These have included Sir Ketumile Masire,

Former President of Botswana, Mrs. Graca MarcelMandela, Founder, Foundation for CommunityDevelopment, Mozambique and the Right HonourableJack Straw, MP, the former United Kingdom andCommonwealth Foreign Secretary. As participationincreased and more evocative dialogue emerged, theAnnual Lectures evolved and broadened to include theBienniel Murtala Muhammed Conferences, which areinteractive sessions.

Shortly after a quick succession of tragic and devastatingplane crashes, MMF took its Disaster Relief Service tothe level of Policy campaign to the aviation andemergency management industry. MMF has nowdrafted a Disaster Management Act which has beenpassed to the National Assembly. This is in addition to arobust Disaster Management Framework on which theAct can function. It is hoped that the Act and theFramework will set the stage for disaster risk reduction,risk assessment and vulnerability reduction as well asbetter support systems during and after disasters inNigeria.

At various times, the Foundation has assisted people toaccess medical aid and empowered individuals to set-up endeavors that help to improve their livelihood. OtherDisaster Management efforts have spanned the suppliesof food and immediate relief materials to disaster

The Path to Enduring Change

Mrs. Aisha Muhammed OyebodeChief Executive Officer


MMF has now drafted aDisaster Management

Act which has beenpassed to the National

Assembly ... It is hopedthat the Act and the

Framework will set thestage for disaster risk

reduction...


organization set up in the aftermath of the Liberian warto support and rehabilitate young victims and “weapons”of war.

Furthermore the Foundation is working ceaselessly toimprove the quality of education through skilldevelopment by sponsoring a wide range of trainingswith local and international faculty, as well as the supportof school facility development to ensure increased useof technology. Currently, MMF is partnering withComputer Aid International, UK to take computer andinformation technology (IT ) to urban and ruralcommunities in Nigeria.

The Foundation has encountered some challenges incarrying out its enormous tasks in its mission to improvethe living conditions of Africans. To achieve this, there isan urgent need for additional funding with interest inpoverty reduction and self empowerment. We lookforward to building new partnerships and strengtheningexisting ones across the world in order to ensure Africa’semerging leaders attain their full potential.

Aisha Muhammed OyebodeChief Executive Officer

victims. The Foundation has also partnered with theWorld Bank/IMF Nigerian staff and other contributorsto rebuild schools in areas grossly affected by disastersand focus strongly on mid-term relief services toupgrade infrastructure such as classrooms withadequate recreation and communal facilities indifferent communities. MMF is open to working withvolunteers in order to strengthen its disaster responsecapacity.

Equally, MMF has made giant strides in reaching localcommunities by donating to Welfare Associationsespecially those that assist the physically challengedas well as the visually impaired and grantedmicrofinance support to empower women andengender self-reliance in business and other emergingenterprises. This scheme has assisted individuals toestablish micro-businesses which have impactedpositively in their lives and that of their families.

In fostering education development initiatives, theFoundation is supporting art and essay competitions,the annual Murtala Muhammed Scholarship in Sciencein partnership with London Metropolitan University andeducational scholarships for OBAA Girls, Liberia, an


At Murtala Muhammed Foundation, we are committed to assemblingand connecting influential voices, whose contributions echoprogressive change across the Nation. As a result, MMF has championedpolicy advocacy campaigns in Nigeria since inception and its lectureshave become a centre stage for policy statements.


Engendering Change8 Engendering Change8

The Disaster Relief Service provides relief to communities affectedby man made or natural disasters by restoring destroyedinfrastructure (e.g. Housing, schools, water supply) following adisaster . Our Disaster Relief efforts have spanned the supplies offood and immediate relief materials to victims as well as mid-termrelief services particularly infrastructural development, therebystrengthening disaster recovery capacity of affectedcommunities.

A. A dilapidated primary school

building before its renovation.

B. Reconstruction works ongoing

through the intervention of

MMF.

C. Children on the floor before the

renovation.

D & E. Constructed Ikeja

Cantonment School compound

and beneficiaries receiving

lecture in class.

F. MMF Participants at the MTN

Half Marathon.

A B

F

Disaster Relief


Disaster Management

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation monitorsdisasters as they occur and assess their impact andneeds of the victims in order to determine how theycan be appropriately addressed to provide relief andseek solutions in forestalling such disasters fromrecurring. MMF works with volunteers in order tostrengthen its disaster response capacity and mid-termrelief services particularly in the area of infrastructuraldevelopment. The Disaster Relief Services of theFoundation also cover in some cases the supplies offood and provision of relief materials to victims ofdisasters.

The Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund was proposedto generate funds for medium term relief purposesespecially for the restoration of damaged publicamenities to their previous standard. The funds areraised through Raffle Draws, Fundraising Dinners,Appeals and support campaigns to generate fundingfor the relief efforts.

Disaster Relief

C D E

Our Disaster Relief Services have also become moredynamic as MMF is addressing disasters in partnershipwith organizations with specialized skills and interestwhich will meet the peculiar needs of the vulnerablepopulation.

The Disaster Relief Services include policy campaignswhich explore the adequacy of the nation’s disastermanagement regime with the intention of developinga national holistic approach to disaster managementand provide solutions to some of the disasters in thenation. This is being achieved through seminars,lectures, workshops and other stake holder forums.These campaigns will also facilitate psychological andpsychosocial support for relief service providers as wellas victims of disasters.

The nature of our Disaster Relief Service operationswill continuously encourage disaster risk reduction,risk assessment and vulnerability reduction as aproactive measure as well as preparedness for bettersupport systems during and after disasters.

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The Foundation forms Local community partnershipswith the aim of disseminating useful information anddelivering services in rural communities while itpartners with existing organizations that possessstrong relationships with these local communities.These partners provide feedback to the Foundationabout the real needs of local communities so that theFoundation can incorporate this information in itsprograms. By using this mechanism, the Foundation

can leverage existing local relationships andknowledge. The Foundation also takes a regionalapproach in the provision of services and the selectionof local partners. In reaching local communities a greatdeal of emphasis is also placed on support for grassroot organizations as well as providing microfinancesupport to empower the less privileged and engenderself-reliance particularly in women.




The Murtala Muhammed Foundation’s educationaland development initiatives is a fast expandingprogram area, which covers competitions,scholarships, fellowships and institutionalpartnerships with reputable institutions. Its focuson the holistic development of the African will becatered for by skill development and ethics and

leadership trainings to be provided by the MurtalaMuhammed Center for Ethics, Leadership & SocialResponsibility. Furthermore, to improve the qualityof education and information technology access, theFoundation continues to provide computers to urbanand rural communities and institutions in Nigeria.

Engendering Change 11Engendering Change 11


Policy Advocacy

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation’s policy advocacyprogram promotes awareness and encourages a courseof action that results in change. Largely through theMemorial Lectures and Biennial Conferences, thefoundation has created opportunities for increasingpublic participation in deliberations that have oftenprecipitated change on socio-political issues topical toNigeria and Africa.

During a lecture delivered by Sir Ketumile Masire,former President of Botswana in 2003, on “NEPAD: Ablueprint for African Economic Development” hefocused on the framework for development containedin NEPAD, a wholly African initiative geared towardsAfrican development. It is interesting to note that, oneof the points of this blue print is the proposal for acommon bank and denomination for African countries.In 2007 this campaign sailed through with theestablishment of the African Development Corporationwhich is headed by Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor,Professor Chukwuma C. Soludo.

At the 2005 advocacy forum, Mrs. Graca Machel Mandeladealt on “Breaking Barriers and Limitations - Role ofWomen in Development” and recommended anincrease in women participation in governance anddevelopment. President Olusegun Obasanjo who

chaired the occasion, declared that his government willincrease women participation to 30% which he fulfilledduring his second term in office and the 2007 elections.

Furthermore, in February 2006 while discussing “Africa -A New Agenda”, Right Honourable Jack Straw, MP, UKForeign Secretary at the time, highlighted the efforts ofAfrica’s leaders to transform Africa and the efforts towardsaddressing Africa’s development problems by the UnitedKingdom. One of the immediate actions promised atthe lecture was to review the ban on young peopleunder 30 years of age travelling to the United Kingdom.The ban was lifted two months later in April 2006.

The 2007 Lecture, “Exemplary Governance throughLeadership” focused on successful professionals, theirvalues and vision which contributes to better nationhood.It also highlighted areas of reforms in which the countrycould leverage in order to gain fast economic growthincluding reference to the new agenda for nationaldevelopment with recommendations for legal andjudicial reforms at all levels of government which arecritical for empowerment and poverty reduction. Also,that the rule of law should be mainstreamed as a way oflife in Nigeria. Recent trends in Nigeria’s Governmenthave shown signs of the adoption of theserecommendations.

Policy Advocacy

Sir Ketumile Masire2003 lecture

Graca Machel-Mandela2005 Conference

Rt. Hon Jack Straw2006 lecture

Sir Ketumile Masire2003 lecture

Graca Machel-Mandela2005 Conference

Rt. Hon Jack Straw2006 lecture


Policy Advocacy

MMF focuses on engendering self-reliance and

fulfillment through policy and advocacy on issues that

impact positively on the quality of life of Africans.


A cross section ofparticipants at the

international Biennial

conferences and lecturesorganised by the

Murtala MuhammedFoundation.


Globalization has made the world a smaller place andas democracy grows in Nigeria and other parts of Africathere is need for states and institutions to meet thechallenges of Ethics and Integrity in Governance andBusiness

Therefore, policy makers must become proactive interms of setting the pace for consistency in businessethics, social responsibility and social services thatimpact on returns, reputations and relationships withstakeholders, customers, partners and the society.

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation has made afundamental commitment to good governance, strongbusiness principles and social responsibility bybeginning the process of setting up the MurtalaMuhammed Centre for Ethics, Leadership & SocialResponsibility. The Centre will be dedicated to researchwork, policy development, training as well as archivingNigeria’s political history. It will serve as a launch

platform for capacity building, institutionalstrengthening and policy advocacy in governance andbest practices. Equally, the Centre will provide theneeded platform for encouraging the development ofrequisite values to heighten awareness for ethics andintegrity in the economy and foster research gains.

The Centre is a philanthropic symbol of the Foundationwhich will apply the facilities of the centre inencouraging the dissemination of information andraising the level of national and international discoursein our areas of focus. Thus, the Centre will accommodate:

The first Nigerian Museum of Political History whichwill archive historical artefacts, printed documentsand multi-media learning materials;

The first dedicated Centre for Ethics, Leadership &Social Responsibility in Nigeria which will be open tothe whole of Africa as well. It will include library,meeting rooms, conferencing facilities and theFoundation’s offices ;

... young and emerging leaders who have come to represent thecreativity, dynamism and future of any enterprise. They are the leadingagents of change and development and the catalyst needed totransform and uplift the values of ethics and integrity

.... policy makers must become proactive in terms of setting the pacefor constitency in business ethics, social responsibility and socialservices that impact on returns, reputations and relationships withstakeholders, customers, partners and the society.

Unveiling the Real Issues



An NGO Hub will provide commercial enterprisefacilities such as office spaces, warehousing facilitiesetc.

The Museum for Political History of Nigeria is ahumanitarian symbol of the values which theFoundation stands for and the context in which thelegacy of the Late Murtala Muhammed can be fullyunderstood. It will serve as a platform for preservingthe knowledge of Nigeria’s political history from thelate 19th century and promoting a better understandingof Nigeria’s uniqueness.

The Commercial enterprise aspect of the centre willalso encompass facilities which will be leased togenerate regular, recurrent income to maintain thefacilities of the Centre as well as fund the objectives ofthe Foundation. This portion of the facility will be fullycommercialized therefore funding for it will be sourcedfrom financial institutions.

The Centre will bring together key players in business,governments, civil societies, and academic institutions,professional and regulatory bodies, chambers ofcommerce and similar institutions nationally andinternationally.

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation has made a fundamentalcommitment to good governance, strong business principles andsocial responsibility by setting up the Murtala Muhammed Centre forEthics, Leadership & Social Responsibility.

Unveiling The Real Issues:


2005 ConferenceDr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

2005 ConferenceMr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede

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Unveiling the Real Issues

The Commercial enterprise encompassesfacilities which will be leased to generateregular, recurrent income to maintain thefacilities of the Centre as well as fund theobjectives of the Foundation. This portionof the facility will be fully commercializedtherefore funding for it will be sourced fromfinancial institutions.

2007 LectureMallam Nasir El-Rufai

2007 LectureProfessor Chukwuma C. Soludo


Engendering Change 17Engendering Change 17

Building a hub for change

Former Head of State,Chief OlusegunObasanjo, GCFR, layingthe foundation for theMurtala MuhammedCentre for Ethics,Leadership & SocialResponsibility Buildingin Abuja

The Murtala Muhammed Centre forEthics, Leadership & Social Responsibility in Abuja


Building a hub for change

19


The Man:General Murtala Muhammed GCFR

(1938-1976)



The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is a non-profit organization, foundedon the ideals of the Late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, a former Head of State ofNigeria (1975-76). MMF as it is today was inaugurated in 2001 and launched onthe 13th of February 2002, a day that coincided with the 26th anniversary of GeneralMurtala Muhammed’s assassination.

MMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans. The Foundationspecifically focuses on engendering self-reliance and fulfillment policy and advocacyissues that impact on ethics, equity, good governance and economic empowerment,encouraging business development including in the area of agriculture and providingmedium term disaster relief.

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is a non-profit organization, foundedon the ideals of the Late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, a former Head of State ofNigeria (1975-76). MMF as it is today was inaugurated in 2001 and launched onthe 13th of February 2002, a day that coincided with the 26th anniversary of GeneralMurtala Muhammed’s assassination.

MMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans. The Foundationspecifically focuses on engendering self-reliance and fulfillment policy and advocacyissues that impact on ethics, equity, good governance and economic empowerment,encouraging business development including in the area of agriculture and providingmedium term disaster relief.

Undaunted with the passing of his father, Murtala, zealously pursuedhis academic career and performed excellently well in collegeactivities. He was a member of the Cadets and also excelled ingames. He started manifesting his leadership abilities while in schoolas he was made a prefect.

Murtala Ramat Muhammed was born on 8 November

1938 in the ancient city of Kano to Mallam Muhammadu

Riskuwa and Malama Uwani Ramatu. His father was a

visionary teacher, who saw the importance western

education would play. With foresight, he ensured that

his son had sound education. Murtala was educated at

Kofar Kudu Primary School, Gidan Sarki Primary School

and Gidan Makama Primary School all in Kano. From

there he proceeded to Kano Middle School (now Rumfa

College) Kano. It was from there that he gained admission

into Government College (later known as Barewa

College) Zaria, where he gained his school certificate in

1957. In 1953, Murtala lost his dearly beloved father in

his third year at Government College Zaria.

Undaunted with the passing of his father, Murtala,

zealously pursued his academic career and performed

excellently well in college activities. He was a member

of the Cadets and also excelled in games. He started

manifesting his leadership abilities while in school as he

was made a prefect.

With the completion of his secondary school education,

Murtala enlisted into the Nigerian Army. As an officer, he

was sent to train in Teshi, Ghana, the prestigious Royal

Military Academy, Sandhurst, England and also the School

of Signals, Catterick, England. During his training at

Sandhurst, the Commandant adjudged him as “a most

intelligent cadet who has worked hard and well to

produce an above average result. He is above average in

leadership and organising ability.” He was commissioned

into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1961

and was posted to the Army Signals. He served with the

United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Congo (now

Democratic Republic of Congo) as a Lieutenant upon his

return to the country after an incisive training programme

at Sandhurst. On return from the Democratic Republic of

Congo, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the

Administrator of the Western Region in Nigeria, where a

State of Emergency had been declared.

As a military trained communication expert, he returned

to Catterick for a course on advanced

telecommunications techniques. On his return from the

course, he was promoted to the rank of Major and became

the Officer Commanding, One Signal Squadron, Apapa,

Lagos.

He played a prominent role in the Nigerian civil war and

afterward in 1968 was promoted to the rank of Colonel

and appointed Inspector of Signals. He attended the Joint

Service College in England in 1970 and returned in 1971

from whence he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier.

He took his first political appointment as a Federal

Commissioner for Communications on 7 August 1974, a

position he combined with his military duties at the Army

Signal Headquaters.

Following the coup against General Gowon, Brigadier

Muhammed was appointed as the Head of State and

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria on 29 July 1975 and was promoted a

General in January 1976 with effect from July 1975.

General Muhammed assumed power at a critical moment

in the history of Nigeria. The civil war had impacted

negatively on the collective affairs of the country and

this had a negative impact on the country.

The Man: General Murtala Muhammed



During his training atDuring his training atDuring his training atDuring his training atDuring his training at

Sandhurst, the CommandantSandhurst, the CommandantSandhurst, the CommandantSandhurst, the CommandantSandhurst, the Commandant

adjudged him as “a mostadjudged him as “a mostadjudged him as “a mostadjudged him as “a mostadjudged him as “a most

intelligent cadet who hasintelligent cadet who hasintelligent cadet who hasintelligent cadet who hasintelligent cadet who has

worked hard”worked hard”worked hard”worked hard”worked hard”



He outlined a political programme that included

the creation of seven more states, the drafting of

a new constitution and the organization of state

and national elections as prelude to a return to

civilian rule on 1st October 1979. He acted on the

issue of Lagos as the Federal Capital in view of its

congestion and its dual role as Headquarters of

the Lagos State administration and the Federal

Government. He played a prominent role in the

movement of the Federal Capital from Lagos to

Abuja a more central part of the country. On

national census, General Muhammed stated that

the 1973 census, which had generated debated

controversy would be cancelled and that the 1963

figures would be used for planning purposes.

These measures were enthusiastically welcomed

by Nigerians who not only felt motivated but also

became committed to a new order with clear-

cut policy and a goal to achieve. While giving

Nigerians the confidence and lead in tackling


General Muhammed was an officer and agentleman, as well as a loving husband and fatherto his children

His administration has been characterised as a watershedin Nigeria’s history and his astute handling of state affairsseen as a standard in leadership. On 13 February 1976,General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was assassinated ina military coup.



their problems, Muhammed also impressed on

Africa and the World that it was time Africans

took decisions and worked together for their

own interest.

The government of General Muhammed

played a prominent role in the direction of

Nigeria’s foreign policy. He made his

government’s stance known on apartheid in

South Africa, the conflict in Angola and the

parlous state that Africa found itself post-

independence. “Africa has come of age”

General Muhammed said “It is no longer under

the orbit of any extra-continental powers. It

should no longer take any orders from any

country, however, powerful. The fortunes of

Africa are in our hands to make or mar”. General

Muhammed thus brought Africa’s most

populous and one of its richest nations out of

its erstwhile vacillating approach to African and

foreign issues to play a more active role. Guided

by pragmatism, this energetic feature of

Nigeria’s diplomacy has continued even after

the death of Muhammed.

His administration has been characterised as a

watershed in Nigeria’s history and his astute

handling of state affairs seen as a standard in

leadership. On 13 February 1976, General

Murtala Ramat Muhammed was assassinated

in a military coup.



General Muhammed (third from right) at Sandhurst.


A. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Chairman

A distinguished soldier, author, statesman and leader, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is the founder of the Africa Leadership

Forum, and was appointed into the commonwealth Eminent Persons Group upon his retirement from the Army

and handing-over the reign of government to democratic rule in 1979. After serving variously as Commander of

the victorious Third Marine Commando which gained several victory for Nigeria during the civil war, he served as a

federal commissioner under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and also as the Chief of Staff,

Supreme Headquarters, under the administration of Late General Murtala Muhammed and later became the military

Head of State after the death of General Murtala Muhammed, where he returned the country to democratic

governance in 1979 after successful transition to Civil Rule. He was elected President of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria in 1999 and re-elected for a second term in 2003 which he completed in 2007 and successfully handed

over to another civilian administration.

Board of Trustees’ Profile



B. General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, (Rtd) Deputy Chairman

General Babangida, Nigeria’s first military Presidentfrom August 1985 to July 1993. Prior to this, he hadserved as Chief of Army Staff, General Officercommanding and Brigade Commander, amongstseveral command positions. He was a member of theSupreme Military Council under later General MurtalaMuhammed. He played prominent role in the creationof the Economic Community Monitoring Group(ECOMOG now ECOWAS Mission in Liberia (ECOMIL)and ECOWAS MISSION in Sierra Leone (ECOMISI). Theintroduction of ECOMOG has played a vital role inpeace, security, conflict resolution and regional securitywith applause in its operations from the internationalcommunity. General Babangida was part of PresidentOlusegun Obasanjo’s Special Envoy to Guinea at therequest of the ECOWAS and with the support of theAfrica Union. He successfully brokered peace in theWest African country that saw to the end of an industrialaction embarked upon by the civil society.

United Kingdom, US Special Welfare Centre, Fort Bragg,North Carolina, and the British Army Staff College,Camberley, United Kingdom, amongst several others.He held several command positions in the Army.General Danjuma was appointed Nigeria’s Minister ofDefence in 1999. He had earlier served as Chief of ArmyStaff under Late General Murtala Muhammed amongother command and service appointments in the Army.General Danjuma is in private business and is Chairmanand Director in many reputable companies.

D. Mrs. Ajoke Muhammed Vice Chairman

Mrs. Muhammed is a Dental Therapist by professionand the widow of Late General Murtala Muhammed.She devotes most of her time to issues involvingenvironmental sustainability and preservation. She isthe Founder and Chief Executive of the MurtalaMuhammed Memorial Botanical Gardens (3MBG)located along the Lekki - Epe Expressway, a worthymonument she set up to immortalize her late husband.She also co-ordinates the Green Belt Movement ofNigeria which is currently involved in tree planting andother poverty alleviation programmes in some parts ofLagos State. One of her organisations, Naisha GardensLimited, established the first and only Botanic Gardensin FCT Abuja on behalf of the FCT Ministry. Mrs.Muhammed’s commitment to the improvement of theenvironment has been recognised with numerous

C. Lt. Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma, GCON, (Rtd) Vice Chairman

An accomplished soldier, administrator andbusinessman, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjumabegan his military career in 1960. He attended thefamous Mons Officers Cadet training School, Aldershot,

DCB


General Ibrahim BabangidaGCFR, (Rtd)Deputy Chairman

Lt. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma GCON,(Rtd)Vice Chairman

Mrs. Ajoke MuhammedVice Chairman



awards and honours bestowed on her by distinguishedorganisations and institutions in Nigeria. She also servesas a member of the Urban Forum, which is primarilyconcerned, with improving urban centres in Nigeria.

E. Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode Chief Executive Officer

Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode is a legal practitionerand business consultant with an LL.M (PublicInternational Law) from King’s College, University ofLondon. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 andacquired several years’ practical experience in corporateand litigation matters having worked in an internationallaw firm. An MBA in Finance from Imperial College,University of London she has served in prestigious banksand other financial institutions in Europe and the UnitedStates gaining specialist expertise in new ventures,business re-engineering, management and operationaudits, business and financial linkages. She has welldeveloped business advisory skills gained from herdiverse work experience as well as a strong passion forhumanitarian concerns. As a result of her passion aboutdevelopmental issues, she utilises her skills incontributing to the political and economic developmentof Nigeria. She serves as a member of various boardsincluding Murtala Muhammed Memorial BotanicalGardens (3MBG), the Federal Government PrivatisationPolicy and Monitoring Committee and Editorial Boardof the Daily Times.

G. Alhaji Ahmadu Yaro Member

Alhaji Ahmadu Yaro is an erudite Islamic scholar, authorand very successful businessman. A very close friend,confidant and companion of the Late General MurtalaMuhammed. Alhaji Yaro is Chairman and Director inmany Blue-Chip Nigerian companies including 7UPBottling Company, Ham Dredging, Crown Flour Millsand Brodero Nigeria.

F. Mr. Risqua M. Muhammed Member

Mr. Risqua Murtala Muhammed is the son of late GeneralMurtala Muhammed and holds a B.Sc. Honours Degreein Finance and Banking from the University of Lagosand a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration(Marketing) from the prestigious Cardiff Business School,University of Wales. He served as Executive Director ofAsset Management Group and AMG Petro-EnergyLimited until his appointment in year 2000 as a SpecialAssistant to the President, on International Relationsand later Privatization. He was also a Special Adviser tothe President on International Relations from 2003 toMay 2007. He has since resumed his position asManaging Director AMG Petro-Energy Limited.

GFE


Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-OyebodeChief Executive Officer

Mr. Risqua M. MuhammedMember

Alhaji Ahmadu YaroMember


Management


Aisha Muhammed-OyebodeChief Executive Officer

Balaraba R. YakubuRegional Coordinator, North

Oyeleye J. AroPrograms Analyst

Olanrewaju AyindeOperations Manager

Contacts:

Head OfficeMurtala Muhammed Foundation6th Floor Foreshore Towers,2A, Osborne RoadIkoyi, LagosTel: 01-2692985, 2692840, 8964327, 0703 8618252Email: [email protected]: www.murtalamuhammedfoundation.org

Kano Liaison OfficeHajia Balaraba RamatNorthern Regional CoordinatorMurtala Muhammed FoundationZone C 33, Nasiru Kabara Street,Off New Road, KanoTel: 08033340089

Abuja Liaison OfficeMr. Risqua MuhammedMember, Board of TrusteesMurtala Muhammed Foundation43 Usuma Street,Off Gana Street,Maitama FCT, AbujaTel: 09-4134339

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