Salako Honors Awolowo's Legacy at 2026 Lecture

During the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Lecture held at Ikenne, Dr. Kunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, honored Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, as a courageous and uncommon leader.

Salako emphasized Awolowo's commitment to good governance and his role in implementing welfare-oriented policies that positioned the Western Region at the forefront of Nigeria's socio-economic development. He expressed optimism about President Bola Tinubu's alignment with Awolowo's legacy through various economic reforms aimed at restoring the country's economy.

Salako recounted Awolowo's introduction of the revolutionary Universal Basic Education program in 1955, which faced significant resistance but ultimately laid a solid foundation for human capital development in the Southwest region. The lecture featured dignitaries including Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Governor Dapo Abiodun, who acknowledged Awolowo's enduring influence on Nigeria's political landscape and the importance of supporting the current administration's efforts to address economic challenges.