A Leader Must Have The Courage To Act, Says Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed a resolute belief in Nigeria’s potential for redemption, despite its numerous socio-political and economic challenges.
The Minister made the assertion Thursday while delivering a powerful and insightful address at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, where he articulated a compelling vision for “Nigeria of Our Dreams”.
Reflecting on “The Idea and Reality of Nigeria,” the Minister noted that Nigeria, like all great nations, began as an aspiration, a dream born from those who dared to envision something greater than themselves.
He lamented that the Nigeria of today has deviated from the cherished dream, attributing this divergence to corruption, mediocrity, and despair, highlighting the buckling of institutions, the disregard for the rule of law, and the fraying of the social contract. He pointed to the “Japa” syndrome as a symptom of the diminished hope among Nigerian youth.
Despite the bleak assessment, Barrister Wike asserted a strong conviction in “Reclaiming Nigeria’s Dream,” affirming that “Nigeria can still rise and soar to the pinnacle of the hopes and glory that attended her upon her birth.” He emphasized that the nation possesses the human and material resources to achieve this rediscovery and actualization of its potential.
The FCT Minister stressed that “the future remains open to transformation,” calling for a rejection of “the defeatist narrative that nothing can change.” He defined the “Nigeria of our dreams” as one where “merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river, and where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour”.
Central to reclaiming this dream, the Minister emphasized, is courageous and prepared leadership. He said, “A leader of our dreams must be one who is prepared to lead; one who has shown character and resilience in the face of challenges”. “This leader must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasize excellence over mediocrity”.
The Minister then lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as embodying many of these essential leadership qualities. “Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he declared, highlighting the President’s “stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy,” his great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state, and his “rare courage by removing the hydra-headed fuel subsidy.
He also underscored the importance of citizen cooperation, stating, “no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped and selfless, can truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry. He stressed that a thriving democratic culture, rooted in accountability, transparency, and active citizen participation, is “at the heart of the Nigerian dream.”
The Minister also emphasized the indispensable role of the rule of law and justice, stating, “A nation cannot flourish where laws are selectively applied and justice is for sale.” He advocated for an independent and courageous judiciary, immune from manipulation, and committed to safeguarding human rights and upholding justice for all.
Highlighting the paramount importance of education, the Minister said at the core of the Nigerian dream lies the unwavering belief that qualitative and functional education is the bedrock of national development. He commended President Tinubu for “his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing higher education,” specifically mentioning the “landmark initiative” of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a step towards “a nation built on knowledge, equity, and opportunity.”
The minister also highlighted the importance of prioritizing healthcare, poverty alleviation and security.
He expressed gratitude to the OAU for the invitation deliver a lecture stating, “To be invited to deliver the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture in this great institution is not merely a personal honour; it is a profound affirmation of the values I have long embraced and championed, viz, visionary governance, the sanctity of the rule of law, principled public service, and infrastructural transformation anchored in justice and equity”.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, remarked on Wike’s unique political trajectory, noting how a power broker in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to be a part of President Bola Tinubu’s All-Progressives Congress (APC) cabinet. “For me, it is something that universities should be studying and I mean it; it’s very important”, Oba Ogunwusi stated. He described Wike as “a politician to be studied” for his sustained relevance over two decades.
Chief host of the event and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen, represented by his Deputy, Kola Adewusi, also described the FCT Minister as a tested politician and public office holder who speaks his mind, no matter how harsh or critical.
He said it was a rare privilege for policymakers and academics to tap into the FCT Minister’s wealth of knowledge in public office.
Also speaking, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, OAU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it was the first time the institution was hosting the distinguished personality lecture since its founding in 1961, adding that the FCT Minister was also privileged to be a maker of history to deliver the first distinguished University lecture.
Prof. Oyeweso, described Barr. Wike as a great man and distinguished Nigerian who has been consistent with his vision for the country, reflected in his brand of politics.
