Nigeria needs good leadership, strong institutions to tackle challenges – Presidential aspirant

A Presidential Aspirant under the banner of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the recently concluded 2023 general elections, and a professor Emeritus of education at the University of Windsor, Canada, Benedicta Egbo, says what Nigeria needs to tackle its present challenges is good leadership and strong institutions.

She said one of the major challenges stifling needed development of the country is a lack of patriotism and that corruption comes secondary to the country’s challenges.

Egbo stated that at the annual lecture and book launch, organised in her honour, with the theme: “Reclaiming Nigeria’s Future: Strategic Frameworks for Achieving Transformative Change,” recently in Abuja.

“I am convinced that with the right policies, governance, architecture, strong institutions, and a peaceful, thriving economic environment, Nigeria can once again live up to its nickname as the Giant Of Africa, as well as become an exceptionally respected member among the committee of nations,” she said.

The Prof Emeritus however, expressed optimism that if the right steps and action were taken, Nigeria would begin to experience positive growth.

“Nigeria’s future generations deserve decent futures. This requires a starting point, critical reflection, and deep introspection on our part so that collectively, we can engender the transformative change we all desire and hope for this gathering.

While noting that the August gathering is also premised on the belief that social economic and socio-political challenges are not intractable, she said, “They can be changed because Nigeria has so much talent, resources, and potential.”

Earlier in his keynote address, a Professor of political science and senior fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof. Adele Jinadu, spoke on the way forward to Nigeria’s political future, saying the ethical crisis of democracy and federalism is an indication of the decline of professionalism in public life.

“Professionalism seems to have been sacrificed, while professionals and professional groups, the core of the middle, have abandoned their professional ethics that should inform their sacred role of speaking the truth to power and serving as a mirror of what society should be but is not and yet can become,” he said

He said that the pedagogy of education must focus on enabling preparation for moral education.

Jinadu explained that the country cannot talk of reclaiming her future without casting a retrospect on the past by addressing the challenges of moral decay in all institutions both secular and religion.