Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the gathering was an opportunity for both the new and old leaders to meet minds, adding that there was the need to exemplify Awolowo’s characters, not by the relationship one had with him, but putting into practice what the elder statesman stood for and demonstrated.

The governor described Chief Awolowo as a foremost politician, an administrator, a prudent manager of resources, among others, adding that the gathering to celebrate his life was an opportunity to remind the people, both the old and new generation, on what true leadership was all about.

Awo’s strides in education, industry worth emulating —Amosun

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, lauded Chief Awolowo, saying his strides in education, industry, among others, were commendable and worthy of emulation.

Amosun, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tolu Odebiyi, noted that the occasion was another opportunity to showcase the sage.

According to the governor, “Ogun State right now is a proud owner of two universities and currently the fastest growing industrially,” promising that the state would remain an enviable state.

Nigeria in real dilemma —Aregbesola

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, wondered what statements Awolowo would have uttered on the state of the nation were he to be alive, adding that the truth was that the country was in real dilemma, even spiritually.

The governor, who acknowledged that he too was an advocate of restructuring, however, said restructuring was not the real challenge facing the country.

According to him, the real issue is the fact that Nigeria cared less about how its income was being distributed, adding that this inadequacy had been the basis of poverty in the country.

Aregbesola, who cited the cases of the whole of Europe that was redeveloped after being ravaged during war and Britain that suffered hunger for months with no food being allowed into the country, but still came out of the problem, said “until income is predicated on production in either good or service, we are going nowhere. Blaming leaders or followers, we are only chasing shadows. What cannot be measured cannot be managed.”