TODAY, March 6, family members, friends, associates, eminent Nigerians and even young acolytes would gather in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, to celebrate the birthday of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The celebration of Chief Awolowo's birthday is already an annual event but this year's stands out, being the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the legendary statesman, a shining star among the founding fathers of the nation.
The Awolowo family is not unmindful of the import of the 103rd birthday of this highly resourceful person, whose vision transformed Southwestern Nigeria. His administrative skills have remained a credible example for current political and other Nigerian leaders.
Consequently, the family has invited Nigerians to join them this morning (at 8.00 a.m) in a communion service at the Awolowos’ family residence in Ikenne.
Born on March 6, 1909 in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, Chief Awolowo died on May 9, 1987 aged 78.
It will be recalled that among many other Nigerians and politicians, Chief Awolowo, as former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, described him, has remained “the main issue in Nigerian politics.” This assertion is evident today in the invocation of Awo's name by many politicians to gain acceptance and win elections into political offices.
Chief Awolowo, a consummate and caring politician, lawyer, journalist and administrator, attended the Wesleyan College, Imo, Abeokuta and WesIey College, Ibadan, Oyo State.
He also attended the University of London, England, as an external student of Law. He was called to the Inner Temple Bar in 1946.
The sage co-founded the Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He was general secretary of the socio-cu1turaI Yoruba group between 1949 and 1966.
He also founded and led the Action Group (AG), as well as the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles in 1949.
Chief Awolowo was, at various times, Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
In 1978, he became the leader of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
He was the first Premier of the defunct Western Region and was the Federal Finance Commissioner and Vice Chairman, Federal Executive Council in the General Yakubu Gowon administration.
Chief Awolowo also became the presidential candidate of UPN of which he was leader in the 1979 and 1983 general elections.
His footprints as premier of the Western Region have remain points of reference in democratic governance and public office.
No comments:
Post a Comment