A prominent politician and the former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande on Thursday described the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a harbinger of liberation through his free education programme which would forever be unobliterated in the minds of the progressives.
Chief Akande was a guest speaker at the 2021 Obafemi Awolowo University Free Education lecture series and award of distinguished personalities organised by the Faculty of Education. It was held at the Oduduwa hall of the institution.
Akande pointed out that the introduction of free education to all and sundry by late Awolowo served to tremendously transform many Nigerians, and guide them to be productive in their respective environments.
Akande who further extolled the virtues and valour of the deceased great leader affirmed that Awolowo’s impeccable pedigree towards contributing to the growth of humanity would forever linger in the memories of those who appreciate the works of geniuses.
He stressed that Chief Awolowo remains an icon of icons in the realms of education, politics and humanity and his Guinness books of record will forever remain an encyclopedic knowledge to this generation and the ones yet unborn.
Chief Akande argued that the late Awolowo had been a benefactor for the advancement and virility of every individual in any given society.
He said that Awolowo’s philosophy still remains important as a valuable tree in the forest.
In her own remark, Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Bonke Adepeju Omoteso, said this year’s lecture was titled “Awolowo Legacies in Education and Politics: Enduring Lessons for Contemporary Nigeria.”
Professor Omoteso said, “The topic is very germane as we are craving for leaders who will arise and emulate what Papa Awo did.
“There are many lessons to learn from the legacies the late sage left behind. Chief Awolowo was Nigeria’s foremost federalist.
“He advocated federalism as the only basis for equitable national integration and, as head of the Action Group, he led demands for a federal constitution, which was introduced in 1954 following primarily the model proposed by the Western Region delegation led by him.
“As Premier, he proved to be and was viewed as a man of vision and a dynamic administrator. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also the country’s leading social democratic politician. He supported limited public ownership and limited central planning in government.
“He believed that the state should channel Nigeria’s resources into education and state-led infrastructural development.
“At considerable expense, he introduced free primary education for all and free health care for children in the Western Region which many of us here enjoyed.
“He established the first television service in Africa in 1959, and the Oduduwa Group, all of which were financed from the highly lucrative cocoa industry which was the mainstay of the regional economy.
“All these are examples for our leaders and for us to emulate. Bearing in mind what our progenitor left behind as legacies most especially in the area of education, on behalf of the staff and students of Faculty of Education, I want to implore our leaders who are here present to donate generously towards the growth and development of Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
“The Faculty is also working on a book titled Awo 1955 Free Education Scheme and the Ascendancy of Common People in Nigeria to be edited by Professor K. A. Alao and Professor M. B. M. Avoseh(USA) and sought for assistance from all and sundry at the occasion.”
In his own speech, Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola expressed deep gratitude to the organisers for instituting the Obafemi Awolowo Free Education Series to interrogate and advance tangential development issues in the nation and to keep the legacy of free education, the singular initiative that has driven the nation’s hope for sustainable development, alive and relevant.
He said, “I toast to the memory and visionary leadership of Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo, whose vision is the reason for this event and this award in the first place.
“His vision gave an opportunity to our generation and the ones behind us a reason to get an education and build capacity for building the nation of our pride. This laudable vision also makes Nigeria a player in the Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education.
“The choice of our father, an Awoist, Baba Awa Omo Keekeke, Chief Bisi Akande as the lecturer at this auspicious event is commendable in view of his pedigree as a strong believer in free education and progressive politics – two principal drivers of development and democracy – and his commitment to their creator, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Chief Akande is not a free education and progressive political player by the sidelines. He has demonstrated capacity for implementing free education and progressive politics as SSG, Deputy Governor and Governor, leaving unforgettable legacies behind.
“I am highly elated to be invited to attend this all-important Obafemi Awolowo Free Education Order Lecture and to step forward to receive the Distinguished Obafemi Awolowo Free Education Order Award on behalf of the Government and people of Osun.
“I thank the Faculty of Education of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for counting me worthy of this invitation and award. This is an honour I hold close to my chest in view of the importance and place of free education to the overall development of the nation and the people.
“With the benefit of hindsight, Chief Awolowo’s free education and political ideas have helped build Nigeria of our desire. Sadly, our scant commitment to them has left yawning gaps in our polity and political history. There is no doubt that we shall have to retrace our steps to achieve the vision of our founding fathers,” he said.
Also, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, said he was happy to associate with the celebration of Awolowo:s legacy which he described as intimidating.
According to him, “We thank the late sage for his foresight, his vision and his dedication to the people. Also, we can hardly talk about Chief Awolowo without talking about his reasoned advocacy for federalism.
“Awolowo was Nigeria foremost federalist. In his ‘Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947)’, the first federal manifesto by a Nigerian politician, Papa advocated federalism as the only basis for ethnolinguistic self-determination and uniting politically strong states as the best basis for Nigerian unity.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede described the late Awolowo’s legacy as pacesetting. He said Awolowo would always be referred to as a reference point for knowledge and wisdom seekers.
Speaking through his deputy, Professor Abayomi Daramola, described the late Awolowo’s legacy as pacesetting who h would always be referred to as reference points for knowledge seekers and wisdom searchers.
He also eulogised his wizardry inborn knowledge which he used for rapid transformation and liberation of ill-lettered and illiterate ones in the society.
“Through his contributions to the society at large, Chief Awolowo’s name will constantly stand as Mount Everest and his great works will forever glitter like a shining star.”
In his own words at the event, the royal host, Ooni Of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,
attributed late Awolowo’s great works to that of rare achievers whose records of achievements always stands like a Northern star.
In his own submission, Chief Olamide Aina, a grandson of Papa Awolowo, appreciated every speaker for the encomiums showered on the late sage and expressed optimism that, many more people would still be blessed with his philosophy of life which is simplicity.
He however assured that the Awolowo family members would always uphold the pillar of truth, the late politician was known for during his lifetime.
Prominent Nigerians like Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello; Professor Adamu Gearzo, Abia Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Senator Bala Mohammad were awarded at the occasion.
