Awolowo’s legacy and the case for regionalised federalism

We have won the civil war. Yes, indeed. But to win the war for peace, we must recognise the real enemies. Otherwise, all our efforts would be totally misdirected and dissipated. As far as I can understand, the aggressors against peace and stability in Nigeria are abject poverty, hunger, disease, squalor and ignorance. They are more devastating in their ravages, more insidious, more thorough, and more resistant in their operations than armed rebellion. They are the enemies which must now be crushed, and crushed ruthlessly. – Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered leader in Nigeria’s history, exemplified principles of progressive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice during his time. Imagining him as the president of Nigeria today prompts reflection on how his visionary leadership would shape sustainable solutions for the country’s challenges.

One prominent lesson from Awolowo’s legacy is his advocacy for regionalised federalism, a concept that decentralises power to the regions to promote equitable development and effective governance. As Nigeria grapples with pressing issues of national unity, economic growth, and social cohesion, the resurgence of regionalised federalism emerges as a compelling argument for fostering inclusive governance and addressing diverse societal needs.

These words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo remain as relevant today as they were when they were first spoken. To truly achieve lasting peace and stability in Nigeria, we must address the root causes of conflict and focus on eradicating poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance. These are the real enemies that threaten the well-being of our people and undermine our efforts for progress.

By prioritising efforts to alleviate poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for economic growth, we can build a more just and equitable society where all Nigerians can thrive. It is only by tackling these underlying issues that we can truly achieve a lasting peace that benefits all members of our society.

Let us heed the wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and work together to crush these enemies of peace and stability. Only then can we build a brighter future for generations to come.

In today’s digital age, the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo resonate even more strongly as we grapple with new challenges and opportunities in our quest for peace and stability in a democratic society. The enemies of peace and stability that he identified – poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance – have taken on new forms and complexities in our increasingly interconnected world.

In the digital age, poverty is not just about lack of material resources but also about lack of access to digital technology and opportunities for economic advancement. The digital divide exacerbates inequalities and limits the ability of marginalised groups to fully participate in democratic processes. Addressing digital inclusion and ensuring equal access to technology is crucial for promoting peace and stability in a democracy.

Hunger and disease also remain pressing issues in a digital age where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly, affecting public health and exacerbating food insecurity. A lack of access to reliable information and healthcare services can undermine efforts to promote health and well-being, hindering democratic progress and stability.

Squalor, in the context of today’s digital age, can refer to the proliferation of online hate speech, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harassment that contribute to a toxic online environment. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity in a democratic society.

Ignorance, in the digital age, is not just about lack of education but also about the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and countering the influence of false information and propaganda.

In conclusion, the principles espoused by Chief Obafemi Awolowo remain as relevant today as they were in his time. To win in a democracy in the digital age, we must continue to prioritise efforts to address the root causes of conflict and inequality, including poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance. By embracing the opportunities of the digital age while also addressing its challenges, we can build a more peaceful, stable, and inclusive society for all.

Furthering, in today’s digital age, the issue of poverty has taken on new dimensions as technology plays an increasingly central role in shaping economic opportunities and social mobility. The digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, exacerbates existing inequalities and limits the ability of marginalised groups to fully participate in democratic processes.

Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals and communities are at a significant disadvantage in terms of accessing information, education, and economic opportunities. Addressing digital inclusion is crucial for promoting social equity, economic empowerment, and ultimately, peace and stability in a democracy.

Hunger and disease continue to be pressing issues in the digital age, with new challenges emerging in the form of online misinformation and disinformation. The rapid spread of false information online can have serious consequences for public health as well as exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition.

In a world where online platforms play a central role in shaping public discourse and health outcomes, efforts to combat misinformation and promote access to accurate, evidence-based information are essential for safeguarding public well-being and promoting peace and stability in society.

Squalor in the digital age encompasses a range of online behaviours that contribute to a toxic and polarised online environment. From cyberbullying to the spread of hate speech and disinformation, the digital space can be a breeding ground for hostility and division.

Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to promote digital civility, respect, and responsible online behaviour. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy in the digital realm, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and peaceful society both online and offline.

Ignorance in the digital age poses a unique challenge as the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation online can undermine the integrity of democratic processes and erode public trust in institutions. Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. By empowering individuals to discern fact from fiction and make informed decisions online, we can mitigate the spread of false information and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth in a democratic society.

Essentially, the principles articulated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo provide a timeless and invaluable framework for addressing the root causes of conflict and instability in the digital age.

By acknowledging and confronting the challenges of poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance in today’s interconnected world, we can forge a path towards a more equitable, informed, and peaceful society. Embracing the transformative potential of technology while also acknowledging its pitfalls, we can harness the power of the digital age to foster a more inclusive and prosperous democracy for all.

Sustainingly, to develop sustainable solutions for addressing the complex challenges of poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance in the digital age, it is essential to adopt a holistic and multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these issues. The following thought processes can guide the development of effective and lasting solutions:

Collaborative and Inclusive Problem-solving: Recognising that no single entity or sector can address these challenges alone, it is crucial to foster collaboration and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and communities. By engaging diverse stakeholders in the problem-solving process, we can leverage collective expertise, resources, and perspectives to develop comprehensive and inclusive solutions.

Data-driven decision-making: In the digital age, data plays a critical role in informing policy decisions and monitoring progress towards sustainable development goals. By collecting and analysing relevant data on poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance, we can better understand the underlying causes of these issues and identify targeted interventions that are most effective in addressing them.

Technology and Innovation: Harnessing the power of technology and innovation can provide new opportunities for addressing long-standing challenges. From mobile applications that deliver healthcare services in remote areas to online education platforms that expand access to learning opportunities, technology can facilitate more efficient and scalable solutions for combating poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance.

Capacity-building and empowerment: Empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their own development is key to ensuring sustainable and lasting impact. By investing in education, skills training, and entrepreneurship programs, we can equip people with the tools they need to improve their livelihoods, access healthcare services, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of interventions are crucial for measuring progress, identifying challenges, and adapting strategies as needed. By establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, we can ensure that resources are effectively allocated, outcomes are achieved, and lessons learned are incorporated into future programming.

Long-term Vision and Commitment: Achieving sustainable solutions for addressing poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance requires a long-term vision and commitment to positive change. By setting clear goals, timelines, and benchmarks for progress, we can maintain momentum, inspire collective action, and drive towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

By adopting a strategic and forward-thinking approach that integrates these thought processes into our development efforts, we can pave the way for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of conflict and instability in the digital age. Building on the wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and embracing the transformative potential of technology, we can work towards a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful society for generations to come.
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Nonetheless, if Chief Obafemi Awolowo were the president of Nigeria today, it is likely that he would prioritise policies and initiatives that promote national unity, economic development, and social welfare. As a visionary leader, he was known for his commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice.

One of the key lessons that can be drawn from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership style is his emphasis on regional development and decentralised governance. He championed the concept of regionalised federalism, which advocates for greater autonomy and decision-making power at the regional level. By devolving certain powers and resources to the regions, this approach aims to promote equitable development, local accountability, and effective service delivery.

In the current context of Nigeria, there is a growing argument for a return to regionalised federalism as a means to address the country’s diverse socio-economic challenges and foster greater political stability. By allowing the regions to have more control over their resources, governance structures, and development priorities, regionalised federalism can empower local communities, promote healthy competition among regions, and drive inclusive growth.

Furthermore, regionalised federalism can help to address longstanding issues of marginalisation, inequality, and ethnic tensions by allowing each region to tailor its policies and programs to meet the specific needs of its population. This approach can foster a sense of ownership, accountability, and inclusivity among citizens, as they have a greater say in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In adopting regionalised federalism, Nigeria can draw inspiration from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to social progress. By embracing this model of governance, the country can tap into the unique strengths and capabilities of its diverse regions, unlock its full potential, and build a more cohesive and prosperous nation for all.

In conclusion, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s hypothetical presidency in contemporary Nigeria underscores the importance of embracing regionalised federalism as a viable path towards sustainable development and national unity. By drawing on Awolowo’s principles of progressive governance and decentralisation, the country can chart a course towards empowering regions, fostering local accountability, and addressing deep-rooted challenges through tailored policies and programmes.

As Nigeria navigates complex socio-economic dynamics and calls for a return to regional autonomy amplify, the principles and lessons from Awolowo’s leadership provide valuable insights for shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous future for the nation. Embracing regionalised federalism stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s journey towards holistic and sustainable solutions that benefit all citizens and regions alike.
Professor Ademola is a UK based Cyber Security and Information Technology Management expert.