Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande

Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande

Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has the potential to replicate the welfarist governance model pioneered by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region during the 20th century.

Akande, who is the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun, made the assertion while speaking at the Joel Babatola Maiden Lecture held in Ado-Ekiti. The event, themed “Governance, Structural Reforms and the Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the 21st Century,” was organised by the Ekiti Council of Elders.

According to the former governor, Tinubu’s economic blueprint aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production, rapid infrastructural development, particularly in transportation and electricity, human capital advancement in science and technology, and the promotion of national unity against what he called “indigenous retrogressive saboteurs.”

“In the 20th century, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, together with his associates like Joel Babatola, crafted a welfarist economy for the Western Region of Nigeria which boosted the patriotic energy of the then Yoruba youths,” Akande said.

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“It can be done again for the entire people of Nigeria through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In the PBAT Agenda, the way to navigate into the new economic landscape of the 21st century has been clearly laid out.”

Akande expressed optimism that with proper implementation, the Tinubu administration could reposition Nigeria on the global economic stage, creating opportunities for citizens to become key players in emerging markets.

Also speaking, Mr Olufemi Adewumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture Series, said the Council of Elders established the board to celebrate Yoruba heroes and preserve the region’s legacy of visionary leadership.

Adewumi noted that Yorubaland is currently undergoing an epochal transition from a preliterate to a literate era, much like during Awolowo’s time, which was marked by democratic engagement, educational progress, and cultural transformation.

“Of all the heroes that propelled our modernity, it appears only Chief Obafemi Awolowo has enjoyed ceaseless commendation by a grateful nation,” Adewumi said.

In his remarks, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, President of the Ekiti Council of Elders, said Nigeria is facing similar social and cultural transitions today. He urged leaders to draw inspiration from the visionary governance of Awolowo’s era and honour those who contributed selflessly to national development.

Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande