By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to engage experts in order to tackle Nigeria’s dwindling economy.
The advise came from former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who expressed concern about the country’s reliance on mediocrity in leadership.
Obasanjo urged a shift towards competent technocrats to drive economic reform.
Speaking at a farewell event for Prof. Chinedum Babalola, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University in Abeokuta, Obasanjo highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of capable individuals who could guide the nation towards economic stability and growth.
Obasanjo first came to power in 1976 as Military Head of State. He returned in 1999 as Civilian President. His policies have always been driven by crude capitalism which involved the sell of Nigerian Commanding Height of the economy to his cronies and Yes men. Most of stated assets and companies he sold have been ruined indicating the beneficiaries were mostly incompetent.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must lead their own progress, pointing to several influential Nigerians leading global organizations.
He noted that key positions, such as those held by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the WTO and Aminat Muhammed at the United Nations, reflect Nigeria’s potential to harness local talent for national growth.
Calling for a diversified approach to economic development, Obasanjo advocated investment in agriculture, tourism, industry, and education. Reflecting on past mismanagement, he recounted how a national shipping line with five ships in his first administration grew to a projected fleet of 24 ships.
However, by his return in 1999, nearly all the new ships had disappeared, sold off at a fraction of their value. One ship, he noted, was resold for millions more after being discarded as scrap, illustrating the consequences of poor governance.
Obasanjo also lamented the loss of the national airline, Nigeria Airways, as an example of the country’s squandered resources. He condemned the lack of accountability, citing cases like the police pension scandal where the penalties were insignificant compared to the magnitude of the crime. Such instances, he argued, perpetuate corruption and weaken the country’s progress.
Commending Dr. Winfred Awosika, the university founder, for her commitment to education in Nigeria, Obasanjo also praised Prof. Babalola’s accomplishments in transforming Chrisland University. He encouraged citizens to seek out dedicated, skilled leaders to steer Nigeria toward a prosperous future.
