Political leadership especially the in-coming coming government has been enjoined to connect with the hopes and aspirations of the mass of the people by tackling the rampaging poverty and also halting the culture of impunity by the political elites.
This was the high-point of the one day colloquium organised by Triune Foundation with the theme: A New Nigeria Leadership Imperatives for Radical Growth and Transformation held at Lagos on Friday, May 19, 2023.
The group said the summit became imperative against the backdrop of prevailing socio-economic and political challenges in the country. The summit is informed by the need to engage the new administration coming on board on May 29, 2023 on the basis of a well-articulated blueprint; drawing from knowledge-driven inputs of critical stakeholders.
At the Summit, the enormous challenges confronting the Nigerian State; particularly the dwindling economy, growing suspicions along ethno-religious divides and the worsening insecurity situation that has compounded frustration amongst Nigerians were dispassionately examined by speakers.
It also deliberated on the challenges in the private and public sectors and the need to galvanize ideas that will trigger patriotic commitments in the quest to navigate the affairs of the country along the path of shared-prosperity.
In the Communiqué signed at the end of the deliberation by Pastor Jeremiah Akinsele, Founder, Triune Foundation, the Summit resolved that the new government to be inaugurated on May 29, 2023 should prioritise excellence in government by ensuring that competence and integrity are critical elements for consideration in public appointments; particularly in critical sectors of the economy and security.
It also proposed “investments in welfare programs to enhance economic empowerment as panacea to the scourge of poverty in the country; sustained engagement collaborate with actors across the private sectors as a way of stimulating investments in social programs that promote the welfare of the generality of the people and a commitment to ending the culture of political impunity which engenders corruption, promotes monetization of politics and undermines competence and commitment to patriotism.”
According to the group, the incoming administration should address endemic corruption head long; noting that pervasive corruption undermines best of intention and therefore must be tackled with sincerity and commitment. It should also strengthen the anti-corruption policies to address systemic abuses in financial institutions as well as in public as well as private sectors.
“Summit recommends increase in budgetary allocation to education as well as for research and development to encourage scholarship and promote talents.
“The perennial crisis in the education sector should be curtailed to stabilise the education system and to enhance the enhance Nigeria’s human capital development and a priority attention and investments in primary education which is the bedrock of leaning and character building,” Pastor Akinsele said.