Our leaders act like destructive ‘termite kings’ — Bakare

Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has sharply criticized many Nigerian leaders, likening them to "termite kings looking for what to consume" instead of working to build a better nation.

Bakare made these remarks on Saturday during the presentation of his book, "Strategic Intervention in Governance," which features 104 of his speeches delivered between 2008 and 2025. The volumes cover different periods, offering insights into his views on governance and national development.

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Nation-building requires unity of purpose over a sustained period of time. Is our democracy, as presently constituted, capable of delivering this unity of purpose over a sustained period? I think not.

He urged leaders to adopt an "ant mentality," promoting collaboration, resource sharing, and sacrifice for future generations. Bakare questioned whether Nigeria's current democratic structure can foster the sustained unity of purpose necessary for nation-building. He also highlighted the critical role of education, lamenting the decline of Nigeria's public education system due to inadequate investment.

Bakare stressed that Nigeria's challenges require a new value system, leadership approach, and enhanced investment in youth development, vocational education, and technology. He expressed optimism that the current generation can revive the Nigerian dream and strengthen national unity.

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I received all my education, primary, secondary, university and law school, in Nigeria, and it is that education that has taken me around the world to lecture in universities abroad. But I had to educate my children overseas and pay heavily because education declined due to the lack of investment by successive governments. The collapse of education is the collapse of a nation.