#EkitiDecides: Why I will keep voting until I die – 98-year-old voter

A 98-year-old voter in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Pa Joseph Adu, has attributed his lifelong interest in politics to the influence of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Adu spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 2, Unit 003, in his Iyin-Ekiti country home.

The elderly farmer said Awolowo’s courage, discipline, principles and deep concern for the welfare of the masses inspired him to participate actively in political activities from his youth.

According to him, his admiration for Awolowo grew during the era of the Action Group, AG, when the late nationalist commanded enormous respect across the South-West for his policies and leadership style.

Adu said although he did not have the opportunity to acquire formal education, following Awolowo’s political movement exposed him to several social and economic opportunities.

He said his regret over not going to school strengthened his determination to ensure that all his children received quality education.

“The charisma and versatility of Awolowo were second to none. I cannot read and write, but I always followed Awolowo’s political programmes and campaigns through radio and television,” he said.

“It was always a delight to see Awolowo campaigning in those days. His vision for a civilised and prosperous Nigeria was second to none.

“As a young man, I could travel far distances just to witness Awolowo’s campaign. That showed the level of my admiration for him then.”

Adu said he regretted not taking advantage of Awolowo’s free education policy, explaining that his parents were farmers and trained him in farming from childhood.

“Our parents were farmers, so I was trained in that direction, and that was why I engaged in farming till now,” he said.

The nonagenarian expressed optimism that Nigeria would become stronger socially and economically despite the challenges facing the country.

He said he would continue to exercise his civic responsibility for as long as he remained alive and strong enough to do so.

“I have had confidence in the democratic system of governance since my childhood, and as far as I have the energy, I will continue to do my part as a loyal and patriotic citizen,” Adu said.

Comparing politics in Awolowo’s era with the present day, Adu said politicians in the past placed greater emphasis on good governance, clear policies and programmes capable of attracting genuine followership.

“Politics then was less about heavy security presence. You only needed to have good policies and programmes that would earn you the support of the people,” he said.

He, however, said present leaders were also making efforts, noting that insecurity, kidnapping and banditry had made governance more difficult.

“Our present leaders are also trying their best. The job cannot be done at once, especially since kidnapping and banditry are giving both the government and the governed sleepless nights,” he said.

“The problems have been compounded from one government to another, and it is only through prayers and strong political will that we can come out of these challenges.

“Citizens also have roles to play by supporting the government and exposing bad elements among us so that those involved in these criminal acts and their accomplices can be apprehended and punished.”