Nigerians mark Awolowo’s posthumous birthday

Eminent Nigerians on Wednesday gathered at the Ikenne-Remo, Ogun Stateresidence of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, to mark his 26th posthumous birthday. Mr. Awolowo, former Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria (now South-Western states and Edo) was born on March 6,1909; and died on May 9, 1987.Nigerians, who were present at the anniversary, described Awolowo as a great and visionary leader during his lifetime.

A former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande, described Awolowo “as a visionary leader whose immense contributions to the development of the country cannot be forgotten.”

Mr. Jakande said the legacy the late sage left behind would continue to live in the minds of Nigerians.

In her remarks, Hanna Awolowo, said her late husband was “a nice, kind hearted and a loving man.”

“I still remember him as if he is still alive. I will never, never forget him until I join him,” she added.

She, however, urged politicians to emulate the good virtues of her late husband for the development of the country.

“If only politicians can listen and follow the legacy he left behind, Nigeria will be better off,” she said.

A Peoples Democratic Party leader and former minister, Ebenezer Babatope, described Mr. Awolowo as a visionary leader who always had the interest of Nigerians at heart during his life time.

“He was a great and visionary leader who always thinks about the problem of the country and how to solve it.

“There was never a dull moment with him,” he added.

Jide Adeniji, the Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency ((FERMA), said researchers would continue to work on the legacy the late sage left behind.

Mr. Adeniji said the legacy he left behind was imperishable, urging politicians to follow his uprightness and integrity.

Omotola Oyediran, the eldest daughter of the late sage, said her father was a loving and highly devoted family man.

Earlier in his sermon at the communion service held in the honour of the late sage, Venerable Funsho Babajide of Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ikenne, said Nigerians would continue to remember Awolowo for his selfless service to the nation.

Mr. Babajide urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the good work of the late sage, adding that he was a man full of passion for mankind.

(NAN)