Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) was a visionary statesman whose progressive policies transformed Western Nigeria. As Premier (1954-1959), he implemented revolutionary programs including free primary education that enrolled over 800,000 children, established the first television station in Africa (WNTV, 1959), built extensive road networks, and created comprehensive agricultural programs. His political philosophy, "Democratic Socialism," advocated free education, free healthcare, and full employment. Though he never became president despite three attempts, his ideas profoundly shaped Nigeria. Many current leaders benefited from his free education program. Awolowo is remembered for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering commitment to the masses.


VISIONARY STRATEGIST:
Chief Obafemi Awolowo introduced bold social policies in Western Nigeria, pairing free primary education with compulsory attendance and funding it through cocoa revenue and efficient taxation. He established the first television station in Africa (WNTV, 1959) and laid fiber infrastructure for regional broadcasting.

ECONOMIC ENGINEER:
Awolowo founded Western Nigeria Marketing Board, Liberty Stadium, Ikeja Industrial Estate, and the pioneer cooperative banking system, transforming the west into an industrial hub. He championed regional integration through highways connecting rural farmers to urban markets.

INTELLECTUAL LEADER:
His books—Path to Nigerian Freedom, Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution, and Strategy & Tactics of the People’s Republic of Nigeria—outline a pragmatic blueprint blending welfare economics with federalism. He tirelessly debated rivals with carefully researched statistics and lucid prose.

MORAL COMPASS:
Despite imprisonment in 1963 on treason charges (widely believed to be politically motivated), Awolowo emerged to serve as Federal Commissioner for Finance during the Civil War, stabilising Nigeria’s currency and preventing famine. The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation continues to promote ethical leadership and research.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 6 March 1909 in Ikenne, Ogun State; died 9 May 1987.
- Party affiliations: Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria.
- Honours: Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the first Nigerian to hold the title outside the presidency.
- Signature attire: Awo cap and spectacles—symbols of intellectual rigour and regional pride.