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The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation will on November 26, 2026, convene a virtual roundtable to interrogate Neo-Awoism, a proposed political-economic framework seeking to reinterpret Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s developmental philosophy for 21st-century Nigeria.
The roundtable, themed “Neo-Awoism: Reimagining the Awolowo Developmental Philosophy for 21st-Century Nigeria,” will bring together scholars, public intellectuals, policymakers and development practitioners to critically assess the concept.
According to a synopsis released by the Foundation, Awolowo’s philosophy was anchored on human capital development, social justice, fiscal discipline, productive governance and genuine federalism, principles that informed some of Nigeria’s most consequential developmental achievements.
Neo-Awoism, it says, seeks to reinterpret those principles for a market-oriented and technology-driven society.
The author and originator of the concept will serve as lead presenter and principal resource person, introducing the framework, explaining its assumptions and responding to questions and critiques. The Foundation will provide the institutional platform for independent assessment and further refinement.
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The roundtable will address four key questions: which elements of Awolowo’s philosophy remain relevant, whether Neo-Awoism offers the required framework for Nigeria’s present challenges, how its principles can be translated into practical policies, and what aspects require further clarification.
It is expected to assess the concept’s strengths and limitations, identify areas for further research, and recommend next steps towards translating promising ideas into actionable policy proposals.
The Foundation said the objective is not to endorse a predetermined doctrine, but to explore the intellectual coherence, contemporary relevance and practical applicability of Neo-Awoism.
“The ultimate objective is not merely to revisit a distinguished legacy, but to explore how the principles underlying that legacy can help illuminate a more productive, equitable and sustainable future for Nigeria,” it stated.
The virtual session holds at 6pm Nigeria Time. Login details will be announced later.
