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Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation in West Africa, has emphasised that Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges stem from a lack of transformational leadership, not a shortage of human and material resources. She stressed that visionary leadership is essential for advancing economic growth, promoting social justice, and achieving inclusive prosperity.
Speaking at the 22nd Bi-Annual Leadership Lecture and Graduation Ceremony of the African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (LSD) in Abuja, Aniagolu-Okoye highlighted the need for leaders who can translate potential into progress. She emphasized that inequality and social injustice are a result of systems and structures that leaders have the power to change, calling for transparency and accountability in national resource management.
The Ford Foundation West Africa regional director urged graduating students to apply the lessons and values learned during the leadership training to drive positive change in society. “You are not just graduating from a school; you are stepping into a vital role in our nation’s story, equipped to transform values into action and visions into realities,” she said.
Dr. Benson Uwheru, former Managing Director and CEO of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, emphasized the importance of visionary leadership in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. He cited examples of countries like Singapore, UAE, and Rwanda that have achieved economic success through disciplined leadership.
Uwheru highlighted Nigeria’s challenges, including overdependence on oil revenues, infrastructure deficits, weak institutions, and youth unemployment. However, he also noted opportunities in agriculture, digital economy, manufacturing, and green energy transition projects.
The guest lecturer urged leaders to engage in visionary and strategic thinking, focusing on long-term national economic transformation plans that prioritize transparency, rule of law, investment in education, healthcare, and skills training