WHO IS CHIEF AWOLOWO?

 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, also known as Awo, was a prominent Nigerian politician, statesman, and nationalist. He played a crucial role in the fight for Nigerian independence and was a key figure in the country's political landscape for several decades.

Born on March 6, 1909, in the town of Ikenne in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria, Awolowo was the son of a farmer and a trader. He received his early education at the Wesleyan Methodist School in his hometown before attending the prestigious Government College, Ibadan. He then went on to study at the University of London's School of Economics, where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1944.

After his return to Nigeria, Awolowo became involved in politics and joined the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM). In 1949, he co-founded the Action Group (AG), which became one of the leading political parties in the country. He served as the leader of the AG and was known for his charismatic and powerful oratory skills.

Awolowo's political ideology was centered on the concept of democratic socialism, which he believed could bring about social and economic development in Nigeria. He advocated for free education, healthcare, and social welfare programs for the people, particularly the poor and disadvantaged.

In 1951, Awolowo became the first Premier of the Western Region after the AG won the regional elections. As Premier, he implemented his socialist policies, including the establishment of the first television station in Africa, free primary education, and the development of significant infrastructure projects in the region.

In 1954, he was appointed as the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government in the federal government. In this role, he played a crucial role in the negotiations for Nigeria's independence, which was achieved in 1960.

After Nigeria gained independence, Awolowo became the Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament. He continued to advocate for his socialist policies and was a vocal critic of the government's corruption and mismanagement of the country's resources.

In 1979, after several years of military rule, Awolowo ran for the presidency under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) but was defeated by Shehu Shagari. He also contested for the presidency in 1983 but lost to Muhammadu Buhari.

Throughout his political career, Awolowo was a staunch advocate for Nigerian unity and played a crucial role in mediating conflicts between different ethnic groups. He also contributed significantly to the development of the country's legal system and was instrumental in the creation of the Nigerian Federal Court of Appeal.

Awolowo was a prolific writer and author of several books, including his autobiography, 'Awo: An Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo,' which is considered a classic in Nigerian literature.

He passed away on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78, but his legacy continues to live on in Nigeria and beyond. Awolowo is widely recognized as one of Nigeria's founding fathers and is often referred to as the 'father of Nigerian nationalism.' His contributions to the country's political, social, and economic development have earned him a revered place in Nigerian history.