Awo: The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo

A must-read about the life of Awo before the 1966 coups and consequent civil war. Nigeria today is a wreck because few public leaders have anywhere near this principled man's integrity and love for his motherland, although many, like the APC, reach for what he evokes in the minds of many without willing to engage in the sacrifice required. A nice chapter about his ideological reasons for his life-long advocacy for free primary school education (although this is apparent early in the book) and for health care for the young and the elderly. Turns out he was actually a capitalist (many have called him a socialist in the pejorative) who didn't believe the unfortunate should simply be thrown to the wolves. He laments the near absence of civic involvement in the populace, and today, we all suffer the consequence of this lack of actual, rather than verbal, engagement. Great piece of history also about the Nigeria Youth Movement, the Action Group, Nnamdi Azikwe and others. A great read.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in Nigerian history and Leadership. Lots of practical insight on policy-making and execution of public development plans.

This is one of the best books I have read in my life. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a political giant with an extraordinary mind and talent. After early misfortunes, and a long struggle to educate himself he went to Britain in 1944 to study and obtained degrees of B.S. in Commerce and LLB in Law at University of London, and returned to Nigeria in 1847 to be a highly successfull lawyer. Entering political life, he became leader of a political party the Action Group (AG) and Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, 1951-1959. His period of office revealed his gifts of energy and visionary, and the Western Region became the most progressive and prosperous under him, and the pace setter, and envy of the other regions in Nigeria. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the most constructive political thinker in his times not only in Nigeria but in the continent of Africa as a whole. Non of his political rivals could match or beat in political organization and management. Chief Awolowo was a democrat and a convinced federalist who believed that the ethical and honorable way to achieve political power is through democratic electoral process. He resolutely dedicated his life to the service of the peoples of Nigeria in particular and of Africa in general. Chief awolowo was a genius and an effective political leader. In retrospective Chief awolowo's period in Nigerian politics, most of his contemporaries have passed on, unsung and hardly remembered, leaving little or no legacies behind. Chief Awolowo, even in death, continues to be remembered, venerated and celebrated. His economic and political achievements, and his thoughts, as recorded in this book and the many books he authored, will remain as lasting legacies of a servant-leader whose life, leadership style, and political philosophy deserve to be examined, studied and emulated.

A riveting account of determination and drive.

A must read if you're interested in Nigerian history. A brilliant man in his own words. One of the finest books i have read and well worth every kobo spent.

Great story of a great man.

Probably the best book written by or about this great man.

This is rightly a classic magisterial work by one of Nigeria's and Africa's independence and nationalist heroes. A man clearly ahead of his time. This book sets out in lucid and flowing language the philosophy, ideas and ideology of Chief Awolowo. His early years also a sociological and cultural view of his upbringing in his father's polygamous household. The loss of his Dad at an early age when he was seven years and which affected significantly his primary and secondary education. Undeterred and by dint of hardwork, arrogance, cunning and brilliance he harmed himself with a correspondence degree in Commerce, was a trade unionist and was a member of Nigerian Youth Movement which was the forerunner body of a lot of the political parties during the pre-colonial era. Chief Awolowo then proceeded to England studied for Bar, was called to Bar and then returned to Nigeria set up his bar and was a brilliant advocate whose speciality was land law which he did with great ability and ferocious forensic cross examination skills during trials. The books sets out Chief Awolowo's achievements of his Western Region administration as Premier, his ideas and vision of Nigeria, Federalism, the economy, in Africa and in the world and why he remains a politician of the centre left of the welfarist school. This book also reveals contrary to what is often said in Nigeria the intrigues and views held by some of Chief Awolowo's contemporaries in Nigerian politics and the fact that Chief Awolowo remained steadfast in his convictions which was as constant as the Northern start that he was and trully so a committed and avowed federalist who believed often against the grain and current of some his closest advisers in a one Nigeria encompassing the rights of all citizens and protecting the rights of minorities even before this became a fashionable and topical issue.

Superb book on late Chief Awolowo one of the architect if not the greatest of the ones who ensured the political independence of modern Nigeria.

Good book for all audience. You won’t regret buying it and the choice of words are understandable and fascinating.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo is synonymous with Nigeria's political history. He was, no doubt, the greatest among his peers. This explains why over 20 years after his death, he still remains a reference factor in Nigeria's political space. I strongly recommend the book for all Nigerians of this generation.

Happy with it

Awolowo was a great person and a great leader and books like that should be a must for the history of Nigeria.

Very brilliant! A must read for those who desires to lead and help people.