Kaigama calls for revival of chief Anthony Enaharo’s legacy

By Abubakar Yunusa

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has called for the revival of the values, philosophy, and memory of Chief Anthony Enaharo to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
Speaking at a centennial celebration honoring Enaharo (1923-2024) organized by the Movement for National Reformation at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Dabi, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Archbishop Kaigama lauded the late nationalist’s selflessness and commitment to Nigeria’s independence.
“People like Enaharo stood for Nigerian citizens and fought for independence—not for their own benefit but for the good of others,” Kaigama said.
“Unfortunately, Nigerians have forgotten those values. We must not let them be lost.”
Kaigama emphasized the collective responsibility of Nigerians to uphold the principles Enaharo championed.
“There is trouble. There is fire on the mountain. We must join hands and quench this fire by the grace of God. Let us do our best as individuals and as a nation,” he urged.
In his remarks, Da Jonathan Sunday Yakus, a leader of the Movement for National Reformation, highlighted Chief Enaharo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence and political evolution.
He recounted Enaharo’s 1953 motion for self-governance in the Federal House of Representatives, which marked the beginning of Nigeria’s decolonization process.
“By October 1, 1960, Nigeria achieved independence, and by October 1, 1963, a constitution made by Nigerians for Nigerians was established,” Yakus said.
He lamented the setbacks caused by military rule, which disrupted the federal governance structure agreed upon by ethnic nationalities in 1963.
Yakus described Enaharo as a visionary who pursued change through non-violent means, advocating for demilitarization and federalism while championing national unity.
He noted Enaharo’s distinguished career as a newspaper editor, minister of information, and founder of the Movement for National Reformation.