Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Monday called for for a change of attitude among the leadership and the citizenry so that the nation's economy could grow.
Oshiomhole made the call at the 1st Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Lecture on “Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria’’ in Abuja.
The lecture was organised by the Ahmadu Bello Foundation.
?“We are never going to have a perfect, better economy if there is no conscious effort to change our attitude, if we don’t revisit some of the ideas about our leadership culture,’’ Oshiomhole said.
He called for a return to the good societal value system which was devoid of tribe and religion.
Oshiomhole noted that “Nigeria has everything to make her excel but what we seem to lack is the correct leadership that has the capacity of a clear vision and commitment to ensure that resources are well delivered to the people.’’
He urged leaders to imbibe the leadership role of the late Premier, adding that, “he considered everybody equal regardless of religion and region; he did not discriminate, and his ideal was work and worship.’’
Oshiomhole, who expressed optimism in the unity of the country and its ability to overcome its challenges, called for the adoption of a new style of leadership that encompassed tolerance and mutual understanding.
Also, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger lauded Bello for his leadership role and virtue and described him as an exceptional leader who worked and died in service for the less privileged.
“History will forever be kind to Sir Ahmadu Bello as a colossus, a quintessential philanthropist, selfless and revolutionary aristocrat and humanist,’’ Aliyu said.
He added that Bello’s political influence and generosity was unequalled while his grass roots mobilisation skills transversed the present 19 states in the northern part and beyond.
Aliyu, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, said the event created a platform for sober reflections on what went wrong and how it was possible for him to achieve so much and provide quality leadership.
“This is a feat that has become so difficult to attain today despite the quantum of resources accruing to the nation from oil revenue and proliferation of universities and other educational institutions,’’ he stressed.
He stressed further that the annual lecture was aimed at assisting in laying a foundation for scholarly research into values of high morals and ethical conduct in leadership and governance.
Dignitaries at the event included Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Governors Babangida Aliyu, Adams Oshiomhole and Idris Wada of Niger, Edo and Kogi respectively and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former, Nigerian Permanent Representative at the UN. ?
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