Pete Edochie: Awolowo is the Nigerian politician I admire most

Veteran actor Pete Edochie has expressed his admiration for the late Nigerian politician Chief Obafemi Awolowo, citing the former Western Region premier's emphasis on concrete plans, funding and delivery. Actor Edochie, 79, pointed out that Awolowo distinguished himself by revealing not only his plans but also the estimated cost and funding sources for each project.

This approach, he said, set Awolowo apart from other politicians whose campaigns often promised without outlining how their programmes would be financed. Edochie highlighted two major initiatives led by Awolowo as examples of his impact on the country: the introduction of free primary education and television broadcasting. He noted that Awolowo's free primary education programme in the Western Region extended educational opportunities regardless of ethnic or regional backgrounds.

The actor also credited Awolowo with the establishment of television broadcasting in Nigeria, pointing to the creation of Western Nigeria Television in 1959, which was later followed by the Eastern Region's ENBC in 1960. Edochie's admiration for Awolowo stems mainly from the politician's record of planning and implementing major development programmes, even though Awolowo never became the president of Nigeria despite his prominence in Nigeria's political history.