Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze, has called for stronger accountability, inclusive governance and greater citizen participation, saying the country’s 66 years of independence had yet to deliver the secure and prosperous society Nigerians aspire to, Prime Business Africa reports.
Obaze, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Selonnes Consult, made the call in a keynote address at the Naija at 66 Unity Independence Fest held at the Military Cantonment in Onitsha.
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Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Independence: Building the Nigeria We Want,” Obaze said Nigeria was facing a deep trust deficit between citizens and political leaders, alongside insecurity, economic hardship, corruption and social divisions.
He said the country’s challenges should not be attributed solely to failures of leadership, arguing that citizens also had a responsibility to demand accountability, defend their rights and participate actively in the affairs of the country.
“Nigeria could be better. God Almighty gave us the potentials to be great, but Nigeria today is what we the people have made it,” Obaze said.
He described nation-building as a long-term process requiring commitment, sacrifice, inclusiveness and tolerance across ethnic, religious, political, gender and social lines.
Obaze said a functional society should guarantee citizens access to basic necessities, including food, clean water, healthcare, education, housing, physical security and economic opportunity. He also called for equal protection under the law, regardless of ethnicity or place of residence.
Nigerians should be able to live, work and conduct legitimate business anywhere in the country without discrimination or intimidation, he said, while urging citizens to reject ethnic and religious loyalties that shield public officials from scrutiny.
Obaze said Nigeria remained rich in natural resources and human capital but had struggled to translate those advantages into broad-based prosperity because of poor governance, corruption, insecurity and institutional weaknesses.
He urged future leaders to adopt a transformative approach centred on national interests, lower governance and living costs, stronger action against corruption and waste, industrial development and reliable electricity.
He also advocated export-oriented manufacturing to create jobs, the establishment of a strategic fuel reserve and stronger protection of citizens as core priorities for government.
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Obaze urged Nigerians to reject dependence on handouts and palliatives, saying citizens should not sell their votes for short-term gains but instead demand policies that improve living standards and strengthen public institutions.
He said national development required Nigerians to see one another as compatriots regardless of tribe, language, religion, gender or political affiliation.
“Building the Nigeria of our dreams is a shared responsibility,” Obaze said, urging citizens to contribute constructively through their professions and communities.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its current difficulties if citizens and leaders renewed their commitment to good governance, national unity and accountability.
“Hope is not lost and should not be lost,” he said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
