Back to: History Primary 5
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you are having a fantastic day. You are doing an excellent job learning about Nigeria’s history, and I am so proud of you! Today, we will talk about a great Nigerian leader—Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Have you ever heard of free education in Nigeria? Or seen the image of a man wearing a cap and round glasses on our Naira notes? That’s Chief Awolowo! He was one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders, and even though he passed away on May 9, 1987, his legacy still lives on.
The Death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo – May 9, 1987
Imagine a man who worked hard to make sure children could go to school for free, helped build Nigeria’s economy, and fought for the country’s independence. That man was Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was a political leader, lawyer, journalist, and nationalist who played a major role in shaping Nigeria. When he passed away on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78, the whole country mourned because he was a hero who had done so much for Nigeria.
Who was Chief Obafemi Awolowo?
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, Ogun State. He was an intelligent and hardworking man who believed in education, democracy, and economic development. He became the first Premier of the Western Region (1954–1960) and introduced many great policies, including:
- Free primary education for children in Western Nigeria.
- Free health care for children under 18 years old.
- Building of roads, industries, and television stations, making Western Nigeria one of the most developed regions at the time.
He was also a strong advocate for Nigeria’s independence and later became the leader of the opposition in Nigeria’s First Republic (1963–1966). He was known for his wise sayings, leadership, and vision for a better Nigeria.
His Death and Legacy
Chief Obafemi Awolowo passed away peacefully in his home in Ikenne, Ogun State, on May 9, 1987. His death was a great loss to Nigeria, as he was a man who had dedicated his life to the progress of the country. Many Nigerians remember him as:
- The father of free education in Nigeria.
- A fearless leader who fought for justice and democracy.
- A great economist who helped Nigeria’s economy grow.
To honour him, Nigeria placed his face on the ₦100 note, named streets and universities after him, and continued to celebrate his contributions to the country.
Think about your favourite teacher who always helps you learn and become better. Now, imagine a leader who wanted every Nigerian child to go to school for free, have good roads, and enjoy a better life. That was Chief Obafemi Awolowo—he worked hard so that Nigerians could have a brighter future.
Conclusion
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a great Nigerian leader who helped improve education, health care, and the economy. He was the first Premier of the Western Region, introduced free education, and played a big role in Nigeria’s independence. He passed away on May 9, 1987, but his legacy continues to inspire many Nigerians today.
Evaluation
- When did Chief Obafemi Awolowo pass away?
- What position did he hold in Western Nigeria from 1954 to 1960?
- Mention one major achievement of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
- Why do people call him the “father of free education” in Nigeria?
- Where was Chief Obafemi Awolowo born?
Fantastic job, superstar! You have just learned about one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders. Keep shining, keep learning, and always remember—you are the future of Nigeria! With Afrilearn, learning is fun and exciting. See you in our next lesson!
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