Awolowo’s 37th memorial service holds today

The 37th memorial anniversary service and patronal day of the former premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is scheduled for today.

The service will take place at the Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, starting at 2 pm. Attendance at the service will be hybrid, with some people physically present and others joining virtually.

Born on March 6, 1909, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the Western Region, died on May 9, 1987. During his tenure as leader and premier, he held the regional ministerial portfolios of local government, finance, and economic planning.

He was also chairman of the Regional Economic Planning Commission. Awolowo was a nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement and political development.

Over three decades after his death, Awolowo’s influence and name continue to be a reference point in political and academic circles, both in Nigeria and beyond.

ALSO READ: Delta govt takes delivery of FG palliative

Most of his books and theories, related to fixing the nation’s problems, have been referenced at various fora as solutions to some of the current crises facing the country.

Awolowo is renowned for his statesmanship and commitment to efficient leadership and good governance through his intellectual positions on restructuring, security, social justice, transparency, accountability, fairness, equity, selflessness, rule of law, and legitimacy of political, economic, and administrative authority.