By Gabriel Ameh
As part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, will on Thursday, November 6, 2025, honour three distinguished Nigerians for their remarkable contributions to Angola’s liberation and peace process.
This was contained in a statement Issued by the Institutional Communication and Press Services,
Embassy of Angola in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Benin, Niger, and ECOWAS, on November 5, 2025.
According to the statement the honorees include Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (posthumously), and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who will each receive the Class of Honor Medal. Also to be decorated is Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, who will receive the Peace and Development Medal in recognition of his diplomatic efforts and commitment to Africa’s peace and progress.
According to a statement from the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria, the awards symbolize the deep gratitude of the Angolan people for Nigeria’s historic and selfless support during the struggle for independence and the consolidation of peace in Angola.
“With this gesture, Angola expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian people for their invaluable sacrifices and solidarity during our journey to freedom and nationhood,” the statement noted.
Representing the family of the late General Murtala Muhammed are Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode and Risqua Murtala Muhammed, who have already arrived in Luanda, Angola’s capital, for the official ceremony. Former President Obasanjo and Prof. Gambari are also expected to arrive in Luanda within hours for the event.
Golden Jubilee Commemoration in Abuja
In a related event, the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria will also host a Round Table discussion in Abuja to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence.
The event, themed “Pieces of Angola’s History Told by Protagonists,” will hold at Fraser Suites Hotel, Abuja, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. It will also serve as a tribute to General Murtala Muhammed, whose leadership and vision played a crucial role in supporting Angola’s independence struggle.
Expected at the event are members of the Nigerian Government, the Diplomatic Corps, academics, business leaders, and senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who were involved in the peace process in Angola.
The Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. José Bamóquina Zau, will welcome guests with a goodwill message emphasizing the enduring cooperation and friendship between Nigeria and Angola.
Historically, Nigeria played a leading role in Angola’s liberation, offering political, financial, and material support, and became the first African country to grant 20 scholarships to young Angolans who later studied in Nigerian universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Calabar, and University of Jos.
