Awolowo laid foundation of Nigeria's progress -Cleric

Written by Stephen Gbadamosi
Saturday, June 22, 2013
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A Muslim cleric and President, Nurudeen Society of Nigeria, Professor
Mas'uud Idowu Ogunbajo, has extolled the virtues of the sage, Chief
Obafemi Awolowo.
Professor Ogunbajo gave this remark when members of the Nurudeen
Society of Nigeria, led by their executive, paid a courtesy visit to
the headquarters of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, in
Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
The don, who teaches at the Federal University of Technology (FUT),
Minna,Niger State, noted that rather than pursuing money, Awolowo had
vision which culminated in the provision of free education,
telecommunication and commercial bedrocks that later impacted
positively on the life of the entire country.
"The founder of Tribune is receiving prayers of every member of our
society and the entire Yoruba race. I was one of those that enjoyed
Awolowo's free education about 35 years ago. I am from a poor
background and never knew I would be able to go to school. It is that
tradition that Tribune is continuing.
"We appreciate the management's reception. We will make our young ones
read the gift of first edition of Tribune you gave us. Chief Awolowo
was not after money. He had vision. Money does not make anyone happy.
Rather than pursue money, Awolowo pursued his vision. The progress
recorded in this country today is from the foundation laid by Awolowo.
"Remember the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), formerly
Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation/Western Nigerian Television
(WNBC/WNTV); remember the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); and
remember the then Liberty Stadium. Awolowo established them.
May we all have the vision to develop Nigeria further," the cleric,
who was accompanied by the general Secretary of the society, Alhaji
Yusuf Shittu Ayilara; and Alhaji Sulaiman Abdussalam of the National
Ivshaad Board, said.