Minister Hails Awolowo as a Fearless and Exceptional Statesman

Dr Kunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, paid tribute to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on Friday, describing him as a courageous and exceptional leader who set a high standard for excellent service through his commitment to good governance.

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This enduring legacy, Salako noted, is characterized by Awolowo's remarkable integrity, intellectualism, and implementation of welfare-oriented policies that have significantly contributed to the Western Region's socio-economic development.

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Salako expressed his admiration for President Bola Tinubu, who he believes is following in Awolowo's footsteps by introducing courageous economic reforms that are helping to restore the country's economy.

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Salako made these remarks during the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Lecture, which was organized by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and held at Awolowo's private residence in Ikenne, with the theme "Politics As Future-Making: Awolowo And Leadership As Theory of Action."

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The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

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Other notable attendees included former governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Senator Femi Okuroumu, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Yemi Farombi, and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, among others.

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Salako recalled that when Awolowo introduced the universal basic education programme in the Western Region in 1955, it was met with resistance from British colonialists, opposition politicians, and parents, but Awolowo remained firm, famously declaring, "Any parent who stops a child from going to school will be arrested."

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Awolowo's prediction, "You may hate me today, but tomorrow you will thank me," has proven accurate, as the South-West region continues to benefit from the foundation of human capital development he laid, with every Yoruba man remaining grateful for his policies and programmes.

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Salako drew parallels between Awolowo's courageous leadership and President Tinubu's efforts to reform the country, stating that Tinubu's reforms are already yielding positive results, including a 4.23 per cent GDP growth rate in Q2 2025, reduced inflation, and a strengthened naira.

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According to Salako, Nigeria's socio-economic indices are improving, with the country recovering from the radical economic surgery applied by President Tinubu, as evident from the significant decrease in the debt service-to-revenue ratio and the increase in foreign reserves to $50.45 billion in February.

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Salako commended the organizers of the annual lecture for sustaining Awolowo's legacy of intellectualism and robust discourse, and called for more support for the present administration to further develop the country.

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Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, described Awolowo as one of the three founding fathers of modern Nigeria, whose legacy continues to shape national discourse, and noted that Awolowo's record has earned him the reputation as "the best President Nigeria never had."

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Anyaoku cautioned against excessive focus on the 2027 general elections at the expense of governance, and urged sustained efforts to address kidnappings, killings, and displacement in several parts of the country, including Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, and Sokoto states.

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He supported collaboration with friendly nations to tackle internal security challenges, but emphasized that such partnerships must respect Nigeria's sovereignty, and also noted that the international community will closely monitor the conduct and credibility of the 2027 elections.

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The lecture, delivered by Prof. Wale Adebanwi, argued that Nigeria's leadership crisis stems from structural issues in state composition, political economy, social culture, and elite formation, and that Awolowo's approach to politics was rooted in long-term planning and "future-making."

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Adebanwi urged contemporary leaders to adopt Awolowo's approach of rigorous analysis, planning, and evidence-based policymaking in addressing Nigeria's development challenges, and noted that Awolowo's intellectual works provide a programmatic blueprint for building a prosperous and egalitarian federation.

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Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, the Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, announced the creation of the Obafemi Awolowo Future Leaders Fellowship, a new initiative aimed at nurturing a generation of ethical and visionary young leaders across Africa and the diaspora.

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The fellowship will provide mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities for young people to engage with the principles of public service, social justice, and human development championed by Awolowo, and the foundation is also considering the introduction of sector-based awards to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence and integrity.

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Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel described Awolowo as someone who saw politics as disciplined action rooted in ideas, animated by moral conviction, and directed toward a future that didn't yet exist but could be built through vision and commitment.

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Daniel said the best tribute that could be offered to Awolowo is for leadership at all levels to prioritize selflessness and readiness to serve the people, and that this would be a fitting way to honor Awolowo's legacy.