Lack of visionary leadership is bane of Nigeria’s developmental drive – Dr Segun Musa

Leadership challenge and the impact of corruption has over the years been bedeviling the advancement and development of all strata of the economy of Nigeria hence there is need for massive re-orienation of the youth by way of educating and empowering them for the sake of the future of the country.

Dr. Segun Musa, Chairman/Publisher of Global Transport Policy News Limited, gave this submission in his keynote address on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the 5th Annual Conference & Excellent Awards an event marking the 64th Independence Anniversary and 25th year of uninterrupted democratic governance organized by Nigeria Economic Growth Forum (NEGF) in Lagos.

Represented by Onoroisa Mark Onuchi, Dr Musa noted that Nigeria as a country have what it takes to become a one leading nation.

According to him, “Nigeria remains the poverty capital and that does not speak well of the  nation that is so endowed and yet at the back waters of development.

“Nigeria has 9 littoral states with 853 kilometers of coast lines, and that has already given us advantage as a maritime nation. We have about 12 major ports in Nigeria and if we are only to explore our blue economy, Nigeria would have very much advanced but so many things are left there because we don’t have leaders that has capacity to make things happen. And that is why we are still where we are today. About over 70% of Nigerians, infact 70% of West Africans takes the larger portion of poverty rate and that does not speak well of us as a nation”.

Dr Musa recalled: “The younger part of my life was at Ajaokuta Steel company and potential of flagship of car production would have positioned Nigeria as an industrialise nation.

“Talking about the youth power we have enough youth power to drive Nigeria economy. So have so many advantages that we are taking ownership of. And that is heartbreaking.

“Regrettably, 64 years on, we are still at the back water of development.

“Insecurity is another critical issue because most people are leaving the farm for fear of being attacked by unknown assailants.  So we need to  start looking at community policing.  You know it is an important component in all these dynamics” he stated.