Makinde, Obi advocate responsible leadership

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have called for responsible leadership, emphasizing its critical role in fostering a just and equitable society. Their remarks came during the opening of the Methodist Church Nigeria’s 50th/15th Biennial Conference in Ibadan.

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Those entrusted with leadership must ensure a fair and just society. We must pursue peace. We must seek and stand up for truth, just as the Prelate demonstrated in his address. We must ensure opportunities that allow every child, regardless of background, to realise their God-given potential.

Governor Makinde stressed that leaders must combine faith with responsible action, pursuing peace, upholding truth, and ensuring opportunities for all children, regardless of their background. He commended the Methodist Church for its readiness to hold public office-holders accountable, noting that the denomination now "speaks truth to power."

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From the speech I have just heard from the Prelate, there is one more thing to be added. The Methodist Church now speaks truth to power.

Peter Obi echoed these sentiments, identifying leadership as Nigeria's primary problem. He asserted that the country possesses abundant resources, land, and human capital, but lacks responsible leadership to harness them effectively. Obi cited a World Bank report indicating that millions of Nigerians face active hunger, labeling food insecurity as a direct consequence of governance failure.

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There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. The only thing wrong with Nigeria is leadership. We have enough land to cultivate the food we need. We have enough human capital to develop like any nation.

Delivering the conference's keynote address, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, appealed to the Tinubu-led administration to prioritize constitutional responsibilities. He specifically urged the government to address the critical issues of human life and property security, escalating inflation, the naira's depreciation, and fluctuating energy costs. The conference theme, "I Will Fight For You," underscored the church's commitment to advocating for the populace.

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The World Bank has stated that millions of Nigerians are facing active hunger. It should never be so.