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Buhari’s ex-aide Adesina blames poor leadership for Nigeria’s socio-economic woes

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Femi Adesina, former aide to late President Buhari, blames Nigeria's socio-economic problems on poor leadership and corruption.
  • He noted that despite Nigeria's abundant human and natural resources, these have not translated into widespread wealth.
  • Adesina urged Nigerian leaders to match their words with action to ensure citizens benefit from the country's resources.

Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has attributed Nigeria's persistent socio-economic challenges to weak political leadership and corruption. Speaking at a public lecture in Oyo State, Adesina lamented that the nation's vast potential, including a large youth population, rich natural resources, and fertile land, has failed to translate into prosperity.

"Nigeria has everything needed to move forward, including a large youthful population, rich natural resources, fertile land, and a good geographical location," Adesina stated. "Nigeria is endowed with both human and natural resources but unfortunately it has not translated to wealth."

Nigeria has everything needed to move forward, including a large youthful population, rich natural resources, fertile land, and a good geographical location.

— Femi AdesinaAdesina highlights Nigeria's inherent potential.

Adesina, who previously served as Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, highlighted that corruption, poor leadership, inadequate infrastructure, and unemployment have hindered the country from reaching its full potential. He expressed concern over the frustration of many young Nigerians who struggle to find good jobs or improve their quality of life.

Drawing parallels with statements made by past and present Nigerian leaders, Adesina observed that promises of a bright future and utilization of resources have largely remained unfulfilled. He challenged current leaders to demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions, ensuring that the country's resources benefit all citizens. Other speakers at the event echoed concerns about past failures and suggested that a move away from a unitary system towards true federalism could have improved the nation's trajectory.

Nigeria is endowed with both human and natural resources but unfortunately it has not translated to wealth.

— Femi AdesinaAdesina laments the failure to convert national resources into prosperity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.