Abeokuta, Nigeria – Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), asserted that Nigeria’s path to progress hinges on the election of visionary leaders. He delivered this compelling message during the 6th anniversary lecture of Penpushing Media at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
In his keynote address titled “National Balance: Infrastructure, Institutional Capacity and Diversity as Tools for Building Blocs and Good Governance in Nigeria,” Igbuzor highlighted the crucial role of visionary political leadership in fostering sustainable development and good governance.
“National balance is imperative for nation-building,” Igbuzor emphasized. “A visionary leadership will implement a comprehensive long-term strategy to develop infrastructure, enhance institutional capacity, and embrace diversity.”
Igbuzor outlined a roadmap for addressing corruption and mobilizing resources effectively, stressing the importance of legislative frameworks, political will, and public accountability. He pointed to successful Nigerian leaders like Amina Mohammed, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Akinwumi Adesina as exemplars of the leadership potential within the nation.
“Nigerians are providing leadership globally,” he said, “yet, domestically, we are governed by the worst among us.”
The academic called for a transformative movement to overhaul the political leadership recruitment process and encourage active political participation. He urged Nigerians to reject the notion that politics is inherently dirty, quoting Plato, Edmund Burke, and Frantz Fanon to underscore the necessity of involvement.
Igbuzor also advocated for a coalition of patriotic elites to champion national development, drawing lessons from countries like China, Malaysia, and South Korea. He proposed a focus on industrial development and technological innovation as pivotal steps.
“A patriotic nationalist developmentalist coalition with a shared vision for national development can counteract the elite capture that citizens are currently witnessing in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Dr. Igbuzor’s call to action is a clarion call for Nigerians to embrace visionary leadership and proactive participation to steer the nation towards progress and prosperity.
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