We must embrace Awolowo’s leadership principles – Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Tuesday stressed the need for new generation of Nigerian leaders to embrace the ideals and principle of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Ambode made the remark while unveiling the new statue of the late sage in Ikeja.
The event was attended by prominent members of the Awolowo family including the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Dr. Tokunbo Dosumu and eminent politicians.
The governor said Awolowo’s legacies and landmark achievements, particularly in the Western region had endured and remained a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership in the country.
He said Awolowo was a symbol of Western Nigeria during his lifetime.
“His achievements remain indelible across the nation. The vision of new generation leaders like us is to consciously rise up to his ideals and principles,” Ambode stated.
He said the need to sustain the ideals of Awolowo was what prompted Lagos to join hands with five other Western States in the Oodua Investment Conglomerate to champion the political and economic integration of Western Nigeria
He recalled Awolowo’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially during the post-independence era, adding that he was a shining light among his contemporaries and displayed an incredible ability to use leadership as a tool for advancement of the people’s welfare.
He said: “In a few days time, it will be 57 years since our nation attained independence. The story of the struggle that led to that momentous occasion on October 1, 1960 will not be complete without mentioning late Pa Obafemi Awolowo. He was a leading voice among eminent nationalists of his time who successfully negotiated our nation’s liberation from the colonial masters.
“30 years after his death, his thoughts and ideas on a wide range of issues relating to the economy, fiscal federalism and education among several others, are still as relevant today as they were back in time. His legacies and landmark achievements, particularly in the Western region including Lagos colony, had endured and remain a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership in the country.
“Awolowo was a symbol for the aspiration of Western Nigeria during his lifetime. His achievements remain indelible across the nation. The vision of new generation leaders like us, is to consciously rise up to his ideals and principles.”