I met Awolowo when I was 14, says Hamzat

By Chima Uzor

“Nations rise when people of honour and integrity choose to serve”

Awolowo told Hamzat when the later was 14 years old.

All Progressives Congressive, (APC) Gubernatorial
aspirant in Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has relieved the experience of his meeting with late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when, he, the current Deputy Governor was 14 years.

He said his father who was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria, (UPN) took him to Awolowo after he, at 14 had raised questions about the nature of the then prevailing political economy.

Hamzat said he went to St Olivet School in Oyo having attended primary school at Mushin in Lagos.

He said while at Olivet school, one day he was on the queue with other students waiting for the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was campaigning.

He said while Awolowo was leading the campaign, he was among several students that waited for him.

“He stopped in my front and raised his hands. He was so close and that I could touch him.”

He said when he later met his father, who was a member of Awolowo’s political family, he asked him what Awolowo, a brilliant lawyer was doing with politics.

He said his father later took him to Awolowo for him to ask the same question.

“My father said he would take me to Awolowo.”

He said during the meeting with Chief Awolowo, he gave him a message that continues to guide his political career.

Awolowo had told him that nations rise “when people with honour and integrity chose to serve.”

He shared his thoughts while speaking on Lagos TV on Tuesday on the popular programme, The Conversation.

The programme was monitored by Irohinoodua.

He spoke on his aspirations for a greater Greater Lagos agenda, youth empowerment, infrastructure and overwhelming transformation of one of Africa’s largest city states.

He said he attended primary school at Mushin and that many of his classmates became Agbero.

“I went to school at Mushin. When I left many of my colleagues became Agbero (bus conductors.) I have tried to help some of them but how many can you help out there.?”

He said Government is the only institution, unlike banks and financial institutions that does not choose its customers.

He said he had worked in many companies noting that institutions can die but it is important to make sure institutions work.

Hamzat said Lagos has made progress and it is important to build on it.

The Deputy Governor said he had visited 168 communities and that his Manifesto would be launched soon.

He said he has 100 commitments adding that the mission is within his capacity.

Hamzat said it is important for leaders to have the passion to serve the people.

He said he believed in continuity and would sustain the legacy of the progressives in Lagos.

“We are building hospitals and rail lines. We are linking Okokomaiko. We have to link up the blue and the red lines,” he said.

The interview featured an in-depth discussion on his policies, developmental vision for the state. He also spoke on ongoing infrastructure projects in Lagos State.

He said Lagos needs to live up to global standards adding that his experience over the years presents a huge asset.

Hamzat said the welfare of every sector is important including teachers, civil servants and healthcare workers and actors in the informal sector.

He said he would address transportation to ensure more frontiers are exploited for the prosperity of the state.

He said many residents travel long distances every day to get to their workplaces facing challenges that affect their time, energy and ability to serve.

“We must make this easier. I believe in providing more affordable and convenient transport options, reviewing transport allowances for teachers and creating housing closer to workplaces for our doctors, nurses and other essential workers.”

Hamzat said the sixty-eight flats already provided for medical personnel in Ojo are a good step and that he intended to build on the foundation.

“As we look ahead, my commitment is to sustain the progress Lagos has made under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu while finding better ways to address the everyday concerns of our people.”

Hamzat said continuity is more than just carrying on with existing projects but that it means learning from experience, listening to the people and doing more where more is needed.

He also spoke on the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Hamzat stated that the Lagos State Government cannot fund the massive Fourth Mainland Bridge project alone alongside major rail infrastructure using its own balance sheet but that the creative energy of his leadership would deliver the project through a public-private partnership, nothing that the design and cost assessment are ready while negotiations with prospective private-sector investors continue.

“Our vision is a Lagos where workers are supported, young people can fulfil their potential and every resident has a fair opportunity to thrive. That is the Lagos we must continue to build together.”