Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo, introduced free education in Western region of Nigeria when he was the premier of the region and as Premier, he escorted his first son, Segun Awolowo to attend the nearest public school in his neighborhood.
That was the gold standard of living by example by the leaders of that generation.
The later day politicians run poorly equipped public school systems for the poor and send their own children to high brow private schools, it deteriorated to the extent that leaders like Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar established their own private Universities while in office as President and Vice President of Nigeria even at the time when public universities where on strike which happened at the advent of this new democracy.
It is so sad these same set of people insults us senses on a daily basis by telling us about the good standard of governance and whom Nigerians should vote for.
It is highly unfortunate that these present leaders are unable to sustain and maintain institutions and businesses established and left behind by founders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Nigeria can do better and be a great nation if people of good character and empathy aspire and given the opportunity to serve the nation.
By Ope Babarinde
