On Thursday, 21st October 2021, the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, held the Obafemi Awolowo Free Order Lecture titled Awolowo Legacies In Education And Politics: Enduring Lessons For Contemporary Nigeria;?it was held at the Oduduwa Hall of the prestigious institution.
The exciting occasion had in attendance the royal host, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the royal guest, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution who is also the Chief host, Prof Eyitope ogunbodede, the Host and Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Adepeju Omoteso, the guest speaker, Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Akande, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and many others.
The special guest of honour, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ably represented by Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, the Okanlomo of Ibadan land.
In his words, Asiwaju described Chief Obafemi Awolowo as an embodiment of many amazing things; a great leader nationalist, state man, Democrat, visionary, emancipator and a distinct administrator.
He pointed out that Awo played a leading role in Nigeria independent movement and he was a key and a prominent leader in the 1st and 2nd republics.
“He was extraordinary in many respect’, he said; also pointing out that he was one of the true self-made men among his contemporaries in Nigeria who lived a life sold out to giving to the people.
“Chief Awolowo laid the foundation for the growth and development of the Western Region which is today the 6 states of the South West.
He sacrificed to make our lives better and richer”, he added.
“He was a man of exceptional brilliance, exemplary with integrity and the wisdom of Solomon”.
He also added that “the free education programme had a direct impact on the lives of our people. The programme helped to not only increase literacy level but also prepared us for the future”.
Asiwaju stressed that there is hardly any family in Yoruba land that would claim they didn’t benefit from the programme.
“We are following Baba’s footsteps,” he said. One of the many highlights in the area of education during my time as the Governor of Lagos state was that I worked hard to close the gap on infrastructure deficiency in schools and also provided a better remuneration for teachers with a better working environment.
“We thank the late sage for his foresight, his vision and his dedication to the people.
Also, we can hardly talk about Awo without talking about his reasoned advocacy for true federalism as he was Nigeria’s foremost federalist.”
“He advocated for federalism as the only basis for equitable national integration”.
“Therefore, for me, the enduring lesson of Awo’s life and politics for all of us would be to strive to emulate his life of integrity, honesty, patriotism, courage, great vision, excellence and selfless service.”
