Coming out of the no-holds-barred session with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, I was exhilarated, sad, and charged all at once.
Baba spoke to several issues in his discourse with us. He also answered the delegate’s questions graciously, throwing in his famous banter and wit.
On restructuring, he opined that we should look more to decentralization and not ethnic or regional restructuring, e.g., why should we have a federal fire service?
In response to a question on the key areas that a serious government should focus on; he said Security, Education, (particularly STEM), Economy (Food security). In short, they need to open their eyes and SEE!
On the leadership issue, we should focus on Competence and Performance, he cited China as an example, the process that throws up the leadership is so rigorous. Not likely to deliver “agberos” into office.
He stressed the need to eschew ethnicity. Leaders should strive to be Statesmen and not Tribesmen.
Someone asked why we can’t be like China? He responded that there are two main things China has that we don’t have; Leadership and Discipline.
I completely agree with his perspectives on all of these issues. We simply need to do better individually to impact the collective.
I was reminded as we toured the library and museum that Nigeria, as an armed force, has stood shoulder to shoulder with the best armies in the world, likewise our soldiers in their individual capacities, our doctors, teachers, technologists etc
That has not changed. If anything, we are getting better and better.
My hope in the Nigerian project is renewed and I shall forge forward on the strength of the knowledge that I only need to live my convictions.
My convictions are sound and my patriotic aspirations are achievable.
Let’s do this, starting with the 2023 election, let’s start turning things around.
Let’s be deliberate and intentional about changing the narrative.
Register to vote.
Research the candidates.
Choose wisely
And please come out on Election Day
Let hope Arise
God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬
©️IfeOluwaF
