This is worth revisiting. It’s a must-read, many times over. You can’t be bored. You can’t be tired of it. Ever!
Each time you go over it. It remains refreshingly fresh. Simply “unputdownable.” The reason you can’t resist it. And you dare not attempt to ignore it. It will always bounce back. And hunt, haunt and even hurt you.
The gaze is on Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo. He held sway in the old Western Region of Nigeria. That was in almost the whole of the 1950s. He was Premier of the region. His was the golden era of the West.
Friends and foes agreed. And they fondly called him Awo! He was not alone. His able contemporaries were: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, aka Zik (East). And Sir Ahmadu Bello, aka Sardauna (North).
They formed the tripod that helped us to win independence. Yes. Without firing a shot. All others who came after them built on their legacies. Till today, nothing significantly changed.
That is why our leaders should be desperate for this piece. It’s the urgent stimulant. The nugget they ought to intentionally desire. One viable lifeline to save us from the shenanigans plaguing us.
They are playing out with abundant recklessness. Smashing us rudely in the face. We are in cobwebs, at the crossroads and at the same time. With rival intensity.
In precarious times like this, this is a rare attainable option. We’re lucky to have one at our beck and call. And what’s more. It’s placed generously on our fragile laps.
So? Let’s resolve to read it like no other. Chew it with all the teeth in our mouths. Meditate on it with all your heart. Study it for our lives depend on it. And we’re sure to gain great wisdom from it.
This is the template our leaders need. They should earnestly yearn for it. It won’t take anything away from them. It will rather enrich them in all ramifications.
Try it. It’s a subtle challenge. And they will be convinced that this is the genuine hope. None anywhere else. It is offered without a price.
Priceless and forever evergreen. It surpasses “terms and conditions.” It passes all tests of time. Let’s give it a chance. And we would be ever glad we did.
A deal! Let’s agree the author is unknown. If only for the purpose of being used here. It was picked from a platform. It ought to be trending without restraint. Have a delicious bite. It will spur you to come back for more.
You may opt to take it to the bank. You are in perfect order. The author “feasted” on Awolowo with relish. This is way he penned it:
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a prominent Nigerian statesman, nationalist and political leader who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Nigeria. Born on March 6, 1909, Awolowo was deeply committed to education and social welfare, believing that these were the foundations of a prosperous society.
His most notable achievement was the introduction of free primary education in Western Nigeria in the 1950s. A revolutionary policy at the time that had far-reaching impacts on the region and beyond.
Free education policy
This policy was ground breaking in several ways:
*Universal access to education
Before Awolowo’s initiative, education in Nigeria was largely a privilege for the wealthy or those living in urban areas. By making primary education free, Awolowo democratised access to education, ensuring that even the poorest families could send their children to school.
*Massive increase in school enrolment
The policy led to an explosion in school enrolment. By the early 1960s, Western Nigeria had the highest literacy rate in the country, thanks to the large number of children who benefited from the free education system. This laid the groundwork for a more educated populace and contributed to the region’s social and economic development.
*Societal impact
The free education policy had a stabilising effect on society. With more children in school, crime rates decreased and there was a greater sense of social cohesion. Education provided opportunities for upward mobility, reducing poverty and creating a more egalitarian society.
*Long-term economic benefits
The policy also had significant economic benefits. An educated workforce attracted investment and contributed to the development of various industries. Many of the leaders and professionals who emerged in Nigeria in the 1960s and 1970s were products of Awolowo’s free education policy.
*The decline and reversal of progress
Sadly, the situation in Nigeria today contrasts sharply with the progress made during Awolowo’s time. The decline can be attributed to several factors:
*Erosion of educational infrastructure
Over the years, government neglect, corruption and mismanagement have led to the deterioration of educational infrastructure. Schools are often underfunded and the quality of education has significantly declined.
*Increased poverty and inequality
As economic conditions worsened, many families could no longer afford even the basic costs associated with education, such as uniforms and books, leading to a rise in dropout rates. This has perpetuated cycles of poverty and social inequality.
*Lack of effective government policies
Unlike in Awolowo’s time, there has been a lack of visionary leadership and effective government policies to address the challenges in the education sector.
The absence of robust support systems, such as those ensuring child welfare and mandatory education, has left many children out of school, leading to a rise in street children and other social issues.
The legacy of Awolowo
Awolowo’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the impact that visionary leadership and effective policies can have on society. His free education policy in Western Nigeria is still celebrated as one of the most significant social reforms in the country’s history. It demonstrated that, with the right policies, it is possible to create a more educated, stable and prosperous society.
In today’s context, revisiting Awolowo’s approach could inspire modern leaders to prioritise education and child welfare, addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria. By investing in education and creating supportive policies, Nigeria could once again harness the potential of its youth, ensuring a brighter future for all.
And the writer sealed it up neatly and perfectly. From this brilliant summation. We can be expectant. We can be inspired to pick our broken pieces up. And do a sincere re-tune. It can be conveniently achieved. With the right and purposeful leadership, will and attitude.
Who says we can’t pick useful lessons from the Awolowo example? And navigate our path in the right direction? We can. We have to. We MUST!
It’s not too late to make a decision. It’s better late than never. The auspicious time is here with us. It’s now. Never again will we miss it. We won’t lose it either. And this is the tonic; the redeemer. Not life support.
This tonic is rare, peerless and inimitable. The reason you can’t find it and its kind on any shelf. That is what our leaders need. And direly too. Even at this critical phase of our fledgling nationhood. Any other is sure to be a counterfeit. A contraband.
Timely warning. Very germane: Our leaders should not run from it. It is a disastrous risk. It is not worth it. But they should gird their loins accordingly.
They can run with it if they can and/or care. In fact, it’s allowed! They must not, however, pretend about it. They must be upright, straightforward and steadfast. Those are the watchwords. They have no alternatives.
That said and done, they are good to sail. They can swim with it. It is guaranteed they won’t sink with it. We won’t allow that to happen. Never.
Awo’s legacy is it!
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