Former head of state in whose government Chief Awolowo served as Minister of Finance, General Yakubu Gowon, said he (Awolowo) was loved, not just by the Yoruba nation, but others as well.

“ Awolowo was not for Yoruba nation only, but for the entire Nigerian nation. We respect him a lot,” he said.

Gowon, who was the chairman on the occasion, noted that Awo never did, nor accepted anything by half measure, saying his life would forever remain a reservoir of knowledge for all Nigerians, especially the youth.

“The youth need at this time to benefit from the wisdom of the sage. Awo worked with me at a difficult time in the life of this country, but throughout this time, he kept sharing ideas for the development and survival of Nigeria. Together, we succeeded in keeping Nigeria one without borrowing a kobo,” he stated.

He also highlighted some of the attributes of Chief Awolowo as including loyalty, perseverance, focus, hard work and sacrifice.