Our Nation Lacks A True Leader, Concept Of One Nigeria Still Just A Theory – Okowa

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has stated that what Nigeria needs to grow is a true leader that can unite the entire country.

He lamented that Nigerians are more affiliated to their ethnic, religious, and other backgrounds than the concept of a united Nigeria.

Okowa however added that with a leader that can unite the country, and harness the various human and natural resources, the potential of the country is almost limitless.

He made the submission on Monday while speaking on the theme ‘Reinventing Nigeria’s Unity for Global Relevance in the 21st Century: Issues of Identity, Governance and Stability’ in Asaba at the 2021 Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

“Nigeria needs unity today and always. We can become a better nation if we work together”

“From all indications, bad governance, ethnoreligious conflicts and lack of faith in the electoral process, are major causes of disunity in the country.

“The concept of one Nigeria, therefore, is still just a theory. Another factor responsible for our current disunity is the lack of political will to devise a constitution that supports true federalism.

“The nation lacks a true national leader with a clear determination and focus to unify the country.

“It is the leader that charts and navigates the way for the flock to follow and it is the leader’s action, inaction and body language that dictate the tunes for the dance steps of the public.

“There is no doubt that inefficient leadership is the major challenge retarding the growth and sustainable development of Nigeria,” Okowa said.

Hammering on the need for effective leadership, the Governor emphasized that change is driven by the leader of any group, community, or country so having the right leader in Nigeria is a prerequisite for the growth and development of the nation.

“Having such a unifying person would have been one big leap because it could have taken care of the most central challenges of our country.”

“With a good leader, the country would immensely benefit more from its ethnoreligious diversity,” he added.