Obafemi Awolowo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Obafemi Awolowo
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Taken in 1959
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| Premier of Western Nigeria | |
| In office 1 October 1954 – 1 October 1960 |
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| Succeeded by | Samuel Akintola |
| Federal Commissioner for Finance | |
| In office 1967–1971 |
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| Preceded by | Festus Okotie-Eboh |
| Succeeded by | Shehu Shagari |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo
6 March 1909 Ikenne, Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now in Ogun State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 9 May 1987 (aged 78) Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Political party | Unity Party of Nigeria (1978–1983) Action Group (1950–1966) |
| Spouse |
Hannah Adelana
(m. 1937) |
| Relations | Yemi Osinbajo (grandson-in-law) Oludolapo Osinbajo (granddaughter) Segun Awolowo Jr. (grandson) |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University of London |
| Profession | Journalist, lawyer |
Chief Obafemi Awolowo (born March 6, 1909 – died May 9, 1987) was a very important Nigerian leader. He played a big part in helping Nigeria become an independent country between 1957 and 1960.
Awolowo started a group for the Yoruba people called Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He was the first leader of the government and finance minister for the Western Region of Nigeria from 1952 to 1959. Later, he became the main opposition leader in the federal parliament.
As a young man, he worked as a journalist and edited several publications. He also started his own newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune. After getting his first degree in Nigeria, he went to London to study law. Obafemi Awolowo was also a federal commissioner for finance during the Nigerian Civil War. He tried to become Nigeria's president three times.
Awolowo was born in Ikenne, Ogun State. He began his career as a nationalist, working to gain independence for Nigeria. He was known for introducing many helpful laws that modernized Nigeria. He faced legal troubles in 1963 and was put in prison, but he was pardoned in 1966. After his release, he became the Minister of Finance. He was also recognized as a great leader of the Yoruba people.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, which is now in Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the only son of David and Mary Awolowo. His father was a farmer. His grandfather was an important chief in Ikenne.
Awolowo's father was one of the first people in Ikenne to become a Christian. His father passed away when Obafemi was about eleven years old.
He went to different schools, including Baptist Boys' High School in Abeokuta. After school, he became a teacher and then a typist. He also worked as a clerk and a newspaper correspondent.
In 1927, he enrolled at the University of London as an external student. He earned a degree in Commerce. In 1944, he traveled to the UK to study law at the University of London. He became a lawyer in 1946. In 1949, Awolowo started the Nigerian Tribune newspaper. He used it to share ideas about Nigerian independence.
Political Career
In 1945, Obafemi Awolowo attended an important meeting in Manchester called the Pan-African Congress. He represented the Nigerian Youth Movement. Other famous leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta were also there.
As Premier of Western Region
Awolowo strongly believed in federalism for Nigeria. This means that different parts of the country should have some power to govern themselves. In his book Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), he explained why this was important. He pushed for a federal constitution, which was adopted in 1954. He also supported the rights of smaller groups within Nigeria.
As the Premier of the Western Region, Awolowo was seen as a visionary leader. He was a social democrat, meaning he believed the government should help its citizens. He thought Nigeria's resources should be used for education and building important infrastructure.
He introduced free primary education for all children in the Western Region. He also provided free health care for children. In 1959, he started the first television service in Africa. These projects were paid for by the successful cocoa industry in the region.
In Opposition
Before Nigeria became independent, Awolowo led the Action Group party. He became the Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament. He left Samuel Ladoke Akintola to be the Premier of the Western Region.
However, Awolowo and Akintola started to disagree on how to run the Western Region. This led to problems and a breakdown of law and order. Awolowo and some of his supporters were arrested and put in jail. They were accused of trying to overthrow the government.
As National Leader
After being released from prison, Awolowo became the Minister of Finance. He helped Nigeria manage its new oil discoveries, which brought a lot of wealth to the country. He also helped create a system for sharing national income among the different states. This helped new states, especially those with minority groups, to grow. He is also credited with naming Nigeria's currency, the Naira.
During the Nigerian Civil War, Awolowo was an important figure. He made tough decisions during this time.
Presidential Candidate
In 1979 and 1983, Awolowo ran for president under the Unity Party of Nigeria. However, he lost both times to Shehu Shagari. In 1979, he challenged the election results in court, arguing about how votes were counted.
Legacy
In 1992, the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation was created. This organization works to promote good public policy and education in Nigeria. It was launched by the President of Nigeria at the time, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Awolowo is remembered for his honesty and his belief in helping all citizens. He played a key role in Nigeria's journey to independence. He also strongly believed that Nigeria should be a federal country, where different groups have a say in their governance.
Obafemi Awolowo passed away peacefully at his home in Ikenne on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78. He was buried in Ikenne, and many people from different backgrounds paid tribute to him.
Honours
Since 1999, Obafemi Awolowo's picture has been featured on the 100 Naira banknote.
He also held the important traditional title of the Odole Oodua of Ile-Ife.
See also
Ikenne Residence of Chief Obafemi Awolowo
