Olabisi Onabanjo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olabisi Onabanjo
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|---|---|
| Governor of Ogun State | |
| In office 1 October 1979 – 31 December 1983 |
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| Deputy | Sesan Soluade |
| Preceded by | Harris Eghagha |
| Succeeded by | Oladipo Diya |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 February 1927 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Died | 14 April 1990 (aged 63) |
| Education | Regent Street Polytechnic |
Victor Olabisi Onabanjo (born February 12, 1927 – died April 14, 1990) was an important Nigerian leader. He served as the governor of Ogun State in Nigeria. This was from October 1979 to December 1983. He was part of the Ijebu people, a group from that area.
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Early Life and Education
Victor Olabisi Onabanjo was born in 1927 in Lagos, Nigeria. He went to school at Baptist Academy in Lagos. Later, he traveled to the United Kingdom for more studies.
He attended the Regent Street Polytechnic from 1950 to 1951. There, he studied journalism, which is about writing and reporting news.
Before becoming a full-time politician, he worked as a journalist for many years. He wrote a popular newspaper column called Aiyekooto. This Yoruba word means "parrot." In Yoruba mythology, parrots are known for always telling the truth. His column appeared in newspapers like the Daily Service and Daily Express between 1954 and 1962.
Becoming a Leader
Olabisi Onabanjo began his political journey in 1977. He was chosen as the chairman of the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area. This was under the guidance of a respected leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In October 1979, he was elected as the governor of Ogun State. He ran for office with the Unity Party of Nigeria. People knew him as an honest and straightforward person. His time as governor was seen as a great example for others.
Key Achievements as Governor
During his time as governor, Olabisi Onabanjo started several important projects.
- Ogun Television: On May 13, 1982, he officially opened Ogun Television. This was a big step for communication in the state.
- Ogun State University: He also founded Ogun State University on July 7, 1982. This university was later renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 29, 2001, in his honor.
- Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic: He established another school, the Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic. This school was temporarily closed by the military government in 1983. However, it reopened in 1999 when democracy returned to Nigeria.
Later Years and Legacy
After a military government took over in Nigeria, Olabisi Onabanjo was detained for some years. When he was released, he went back to his passion for journalism.
He continued writing his famous Aiyekooto column. This time, it was published in the Nigerian Tribune newspaper from 1987 to 1989. Chief Onabanjo passed away on April 14, 1990. After his death, some of his best articles were collected and published in a book in 1991.
