Our gathering here today to celebrate the birth of the late sege, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a testament to his greatness and the special place he occupies in our hearts.
The sustenance of this annual lecture in his honour is one way of preserving his legacy and acknowledging the historical role he played as an ideological politician, an astute administrator, a prudent manager of resources and a visionary leader.
This opportunity will not only rekindle the good memories of the past but also remind ourselves, the old and the new generation of leaders, of the true essence of leadership which is advancing the welfare of the people. It is not enough for us to claim political relationship with Chief Obafemi Awolowo; what is most important is how well we exemplify his character and everything he stood for.
At this difficult time in our nationhood, we surely have some things to learn from his ideas which are as relevant today as they were several decades back. They were not mere theoretical ideas. The visible development that was experienced in the South-West region bears testimony to the practicality of these progressive ideas.
The solution to the challenges we are experiencing today lies in our ability to be creative in our thinking and resolute in our determination to do what is right.
This is the character of Chief Obafemi Awolowo which will continue to assure his relevance even in death.
I commend the organisers of this event for keeping alive the memories and legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, hoping that it will be a source of inspiration for us to build the nation of his vision.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, Lo Je Wa Logun.
- Remarks by Governor Ambode at the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture in Lagos, on March 6, 2017.
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