The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has asked political leaders to exemplify the noble character and ideals of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in tackling the challenges faced by the country.

The governor spoke on Monday at the 2017 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture with the theme, ‘The Awolowo Legacy and its Message to Nigerian Youths,’ at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island.

Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said, “At this difficult time in our nationhood, we have some things to learn from his (Awolowo) ideas which are as relevant today as they were several decades back. They were not mere theoretical ideas.”

The governor noted that the development experienced in the South-West was a testimony to the practicality of Awolowo’s progressive ideas.

He urged the leaders of old and new generations to see the essence of leadership as an advancement of the welfare of the people, adding that the solution to the challenges experienced in the country lied in the ability to be creative.

The Chairman on the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), noted that it was instructive that the lecture was directed at Nigerian youths, who needed to benefit from Awolowo’s legacy.

An African historian and guest lecturer, Prof. Banjo Akintoye, said youths had continued to suffer the brunt of the rot in the country.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, noted that the late sage’s vision, leadership and administrative style were attracting younger people.