Awolowo Wanted A Great Nigeria — Awolowo Dosumu
Olatukunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu. Image via Youtube.
LAGOS (TRIBUNE) -- Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, said on Sunday that the intention of her father, the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was to make the country great.
She also pointed out that approach to achieving such greatness for the country was to develop the individuals by providing the basic necessities of life.
Awolowo Dosumu said this while speaking as guest speaker during the God in My Life Series, organised by the Touchbearers Society of the Diocese of Lagos West, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, with the theme: ‘God in My Life.’
This was just as she described her entrance into partisan politics as an error but blessings also due to lessons she learnt in her foray.
“All that Papa was all about was that this country must be great and that for it to be great, individuals must be developed.
“By developing them, you have to provide good education, affordable but effective healthcare services, good housing and an enabling environment,” she said.
Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, who recalled many instances of her life and her encounter with Jesus Christ when she came to know Him at the age of 45, also spoke about the establishment of the Awolowo Foundation, which she described as God’s property and favour.
“I knew in my heart that Papa’s legacy belongs to God. It’s God’s property.
“I was able to understand him and empathise with him. I saw that it was a mission that God had ordained him to do, and that was what informed the establishment of Obafemi Awolowo Foundation,” she said.
Speaking on her foray into partisan politics in the 90s, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu described such as an error but blessings where lessons were learnt, even as she noted that political environment was hostile.
She said: “My entry into partisan politics was an error, but also a blessing because I learnt a lot therefrom.
“I learnt that trying to do the right thing is an offence due to the fact that it brings some people out. The environment was hostile for anything noble.
“It doesn’t matter if you are trying to mind your business, you will be forced out if it doesn’t go down well with them.
“When I was in politics, some people supported while others unexpectedly opposed.”
Speaking further, the chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc called on Christians to be in politics considering the country’s current situation, saying the country was in a situation where the citizens needed to make a choice and not about staying with the multitude.
“There is no neutral zone because our country is in a situation where we all have to make a choice.
“As Christians, we are expected to stand up and stand out. To live is to choose but to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for,” she said.
Personalities that were in attendance include retired Bishop of Kwara Diocese, Rt. Reverend Olusegun Adeyemi; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Rt. Reverend James Odedeji; Seni Adio (SAN), her former class teacher, Mrs Frances Adebajo; Professor Babajide Alo, Mrs Omotosho, among others.
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