Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos, members of the Gani Fawehinmi family, leading voices in human rights and other dignitaries across the state, have finally unveiled the edifying statue in commemoration of late activist Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s (SAN), 80th posthumous birthday.
The Lagos State Government via the State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the remodelling of the magnificent Gani Fawehinmi statue was part of the state’s strategy to enhance the beauty of open public spaces and parks across the state, as well as celebrate and immortalise worthy icons that contributed immensely to the state’s development.
“Lagos State is proud that Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s courageous voice was loud enough for the world to take notice of socio-political developments in Nigeria. His fearless activism and constant interventions on behalf of the voiceless were legendary and helped ignite global interest on the plight of the masses and on Lagos as a liberal State that created an enabling environment for voices against oppression to be heard.
“It is therefore pertinent to accord him the needed reference and respect in the company of great and revered minds that considered Lagos as home and an integral part of their success story” Ayorinde said.
Eulogizing the relevance of the personal sacrifices made by Chief Gani Fawehinmi in leading the struggle for attainment of human rights and dignity especially during the military regimes which dehumanized many Nigerians, Governor Ambode said the late human rights activist would continue to remain a hero and role model for many till date.
“We celebrate the invaluable contribution and personal sacrifices of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in the campaign for human rights and dignity, especially in Lagos State where he spent the greater part of his life.
“Chief Gani Fawehinmi loomed large in the minds of the people, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable masses for whom he was ready to lay down his life. In the hallowed corridors of the Law Courts where he fought many battles, he was revered as a titan. Also his acts of philanthropy were borderless. He remains a hero and role model to many till date,” Governor Ambode said.
The 34-feet high statue is one of the many iconic edifices highlighting the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration’s quest to transform the landscape with aesthetics, while also signposting the belief in giving honour to whom it is due.
The new statue of late Gani Fawehinmi, is sited at the park named after the legal luminary and human rights advocate on Sunday in Ojota.
