AMBODE UNVEILS NEW OBAFEMI AWOLOWO STATUE IN IKEJA. | Shakiru Seidu. GAC Members, A+ Disciples, others, graced the occasion.

Late Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR, was born on the 6th of March 1909 and died 9th of May 1987. He was a Nigerian Nationalist and Statesman who played a key role in Nigeria's Independence movement, the First and Second Republics and the Civil War.

He was the first Premier of the Western Region and later federal Commissioner for finance, and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council during the Civil War. He was thrice a major contender for his Country's highest Office.

Today, Tuesday, 26th of September, 2017, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, unveiled the new 20-feet statue of the late sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ikeja, saying that the State was in sync with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring and devolution of powers.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the unveiling of the statue, located on Obafemi Awolowo Way by the Lagos Television Junction in Ikeja, said the party’s position, as stipulated in its manifesto, seeks to amend the Nigeria Constitution with a view to devolving powers to States and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit and that the State supports the restructuring committee of the party going round the country to achieve same.

“In the same corollary, the position of Lagos State on restructuring remains the same as stipulated in the manifesto of our great party, the All progressives Congress, which states that “The APC shall initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to States and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit”. Hence, we welcome the restructuring committee of the APC presently going round the country,” he said.

He said the idea for the statue which has Pa Awolowo in a sitting position was inspired by the fact that the late sage during his hay days, was not known to be one giving to sitting down majestically.

“So, I made up my mind that I wanted to see him seat down majestically and actually looking at all of us and saying that, ‘okay, after 30 years where are you?’. That is the reason why we did that because I wanted to see him seat down and not standing all the time,” Governor Ambode explained.

In her remarks, daughter of the late sage, Dr. Tokunbo Dosunmu, said her late father was able to utilise taxes to drive most of his people oriented policies and that those who once criticized his tax drive later rallied round him and adopted same for economic growth.

She said over the years, her late father’s success story had become a template for any government desirous of making meaningful impact in the life of its citizenry, adding that prompt payment of taxes is essential to the development of any State.

While thanking the Governor for the honour done to her late father, she commended him for steadfastly following the footsteps of her father, noting that Lagos under him, was recording impressive achievements.

SHAKIRU SEIDU.
The Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine.
The Pride of Ikorodu Division.