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In order to appreciate the positive impact of the former Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, to the growth and unity of Nigeria, civil societies, under the aegis of Coalition of Pro- Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria, in partnership with Sir Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Foundation, held a memorial lecture and award presentation in honour of the late politician.
A statement issued on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Pro- Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria, Comrade Awa Bamiji, described Akintola as a political juggernaut, who paid the supreme price for the unity of Nigeria.
He described the late Akintola and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as bridge buiilders and a winning team
Awa said the post independence administration of Akintola and Awolowo in South West Region were corruption free, urging all progressive minded individuals to emulate them.
“His unique contribution in ensuring the building of ultramodern General Hospital in Ogbomoso, now Teaching Hospital. Also, his contribution to the building of Cocoa House and University College Hospital (UCH) that were both commissioned during his tenure as Premier of Western Region cannot be over emphasised,” he said.
In her remarks, Akintola’s daughter, Dr. Abimbola Akintola, said her late father contributed to the attainment of independence at different levels, taking into consideration various offices he held and various capacity he served meritoriously in promoting unity of Nigeria and the course of humanity in general.
The event was attended by the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; Acting Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof Olatunde Kalilu; Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Alabi, among others.