By Olubunmi Agboola
President Bola Tinubu says his administration remains committed to building on the legacies of Nigeria’s founding leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, to achieve sustainable and inclusive national prosperity despite current economic challenges.
The president stated this at the 2026 Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture held at the University of Ibadan to mark the 60th anniversary of the assassination of the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
Represented by the Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, President Tinubu described the late nationalist as a bridge-builder, patriot and visionary leader whose ideals remain relevant to Nigeria’s unity and development.
The President said Chief Akintola’s commitment to cooperation across ethnic and political divides, his belief in fairness and his passion for education offer enduring lessons for contemporary Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Chief Akintola served as Minister of Aviation, where he laid the foundation for Nigeria Airways, and as Minister of Health, where he contributed significantly to the establishment of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Senator Akume said Chief Akintola deliberately designed his regional development policies to promote unity and inclusiveness, adding that his strong belief in education and infrastructure development reflected in his contributions to institutions such as the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, and the Cocoa House.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, described Chief Akintola as a courageous and influential leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain significant despite his complex historical profile.
Governor Makinde said Chief Akintola’s life reminds Nigerians that leaders, though human and imperfect, can take bold actions that shape history.
In her welcome address, the daughter of the late statesman, Dr Bimbo Akintola, said her father’s favourite Bible passage was “The Lord is my Shepherd,” adding that God indeed shepherded his life to the very end.
Dignitaries at the lecture included representatives of the Lagos State Government, traditional rulers, legal luminaries and captains of industry.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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