By Mercy Peter
The Republic of Angola is set to honour three distinguished Nigerians the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Professor Ibrahim Gambari in recognition of Nigeria’s pivotal role in the struggle for independence and the promotion of peace and development in Africa.
According to a statement released by the Embassy in Abuja, the decoration ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Luanda, the Angolan capital, as part of the country’s golden jubilee independence celebrations.
President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will personally confer the national honours, the statement added.
Late General Murtala Muhammed and President Olusegun Obasanjo will each receive the Class of Honor Medal, while Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs will be decorated with the Peace and Development Medal.
The Embassy stated that the awards are a symbolic recognition and deep expression of gratitude for the selfless contributions of these Nigerian leaders to Angola’s political emancipation and the attainment of lasting peace.
“Angola wishes, through this gesture, to express the appreciation of the Angolan people to the Nigerian people for the sacrifice they made in voluntarily supporting the cause of freedom and independence in Angola,” the statement read.
“Representing the family of the late Head of State, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode and Risqua Murtala Muhammed are already in Luanda for the ceremony. Former President Obasanjo and Prof. Gambari are expected to arrive in the Angolan capital within hours.
The Embassy of Angola in Nigeria will also host a commemorative event at the Fraser Suites Hotel, Abuja, also on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Abuja event will feature a Round Table discussion titled “Pieces of Angola’s History Told by Protagonists”, highlighting Angola’s liberation story and the invaluable support Nigeria provided during the struggle.
The roundtable will also serve as a special tribute to General Murtala Muhammed, whose government offered decisive diplomatic and material support to Angola at a critical point in its history.
Among the guests expected at the Abuja celebration are members of the Nigerian Government, the Diplomatic Corps, academics, business leaders, and senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who participated in the peace process in Angola.
Ambassador José Bamóquina Zau, Angola’s envoy to Nigeria, Benin, Niger and ECOWAS, will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Angola and Nigeria.
Nigeria played a pivotal role in Angola’s liberation movement, offering political, financial, and material support during the height of the struggle.
Notably, Nigeria was the first African country to extend 20 academic scholarships to young Angolans, many of whom graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria/Kaduna), University of Calabar, and University of Jos.
“This enduring partnership, forged in the spirit of African solidarity, continues to inspire diplomatic and economic cooperation between both nations today.
“As Angola marks 50 years of independence, the honouring of late Murtala Muhammed, Obasanjo, and Gambari stands as a powerful testament to the historic friendship and mutual respect between Luanda and Abuja two nations united by shared struggles and aspirations for peace, freedom, and progress in Africa.
