Just as it was said of the husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday described the late HID Awolowo as the best First Lady Nigeria never had.
The former vice president stated this as the Chief Presenter of the book: “In the Radiance of the Sage: The Life and Times of HID Awolowo”, at the Obafemi Awolowo Residence, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State as part of the ceremonies for her burial.
HID, the matriarch of Awolowo family died in September at the age of 99 years. Presenting the book, the Alhaji Abubakar also described the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the father of progressive politics in Nigeria. According to him, Awolowo institutionalised what progressive politics is with his free education, health and other benefits to the people.
He said: “Chief Awolowo can be said to be the founder and true embodiment of progressive politics and governance in South West Nigeria, which at one time, included presentday Edo and Delta States.
“The Cocoa House in Ibadan remains a shining example of a grand and futuristic vision; it was a homage to agriculture and the one crop that helped improve the economy and lives of the people of this region and the country.
The Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), Ile- Ife, remains possibly the most beautiful public university campus in Nigeria (Joke: I emphasize public because my own university, AUN looks better). “It is no surprise that even today leaders in this geo-political zone are still being judged by the extent to which they live up to Awo’s vision, legacy and stature”.
Speaking about HID, he said, “I am pleased for the privilege of being invited to present this biography of the extraordinary woman in whose honour we have gathered here this afternoon, the late Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo.”
