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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has suggested that for Nigerians to enjoy democratic dividends, the leadership standards must be increased, for those with the technical know-how to pilot the affairs of the country.
She spoke at the 2023 graduation of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), at the weekend in Abuja.
Ezekwesili, who is the founder of SPPG, argued that mediocrity and corruption would continue to hurt the international image of Nigeria and embarrass citizens.
She said: “If we succeed in correcting the leadership anomaly that we have on our continent, one thing is setting, Africa will claim the 21st century.
“What ultimately concludes the matter is that Africa’s problem is poor public leadership; we have said it so often as a continent.”
She explained that the SPPG was institutionalised to raise people who would change the negative narrative of leadership and entrench enviable ethical standards in governance and politics.
“The SPPG is our answer and our response to that problem. We are saying that it is not our destiny to be governed by the worst amongst us. And if you reject a situation then you must act to correct that situation,” she said.
In her parting shot, sh charged the graduands to maintain the tempo of excellence and good character in the future endeavours, with a warning that the SPPG would not hesitate to withdraw the certificates of those who would err.
The SPPG Vice Chancellor, Alero Otobo, disclosed that 184 people graduated in the 2023 set.
Otobo, who is a television host, referred to the graduands as custodians of Africa’s future and urged them to uphold the virtues of integrity, excellence and resilience.
The best female graduating student, Ndidi Justina Edeoghon, pledge to replicate who she had learnt in the larger society.
Speaking on what inspired her to be part of the 10-month programme, sh said: “My really wonderful aunt, Professor Joy Ogwu, told me that there were many opportunities for me to do what I have been doing for years. I have a foundation that seeks to empower the youths.
“She said let the world know about it by joining the programme. So, that was the main driving force. I have always been perturbed about the Nigeria’s economy and how the image of Nigeria has dipped.
