The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Nigeria requires visionary leaders like President Bola Tinubu to realise the nation’s true potential.
Wike made this statement on Thursday while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The lecture, titled “The Nigeria of Our Dreams”, addressed the nation’s ongoing leadership challenges and the path forward.
According to Wike, poor leadership remains the country’s greatest impediment to progress. He echoed renowned author Chinua Achebe, citing his classic essay “The Trouble with Nigeria”, which attributed Nigeria’s woes directly to failed leadership.
“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interest and development,” Wike said. “This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts.”
Despite this grim history, Wike expressed optimism in President Tinubu’s capacity to drive national development. He described Tinubu as a leader of “sound character and resilience,” capable of making well-informed, bold decisions even under pressure.
“We need a leader who believes in Nigeria’s infinite possibilities—one who takes logical and proactive steps to actualise them,” Wike stated. “A leader with the courage to act, build, and innovate.”
Wike said Tinubu embodies these qualities, citing his longstanding commitment to democracy, particularly during Nigeria’s military era, and his role in Lagos State’s transformation during and after his tenure as governor.
He also praised Tinubu’s decisive removal of fuel subsidy on his first day in office—a move previous administrations had feared to execute.
“Tinubu dared to remove the subsidy and is managing the unintended consequences with focus and resilience,” he said. “Today, states have more resources, debts are reducing, and petrol prices are adjusting to market realities.”
Wike highlighted other key reforms, such as the devolution of powers through the establishment of zonal and regional commissions, aimed at addressing the over-centralisation of power at the federal level.
On security, the minister noted that Tinubu had approved the recruitment of forest guards nationwide to curb the activities of bandits and terrorists.
“The era of unchecked banditry and terrorism will soon be over,” Wike declared.
The event also featured remarks from Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, who praised Wike’s leadership and infrastructural achievements in the FCT.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, described the lecture as timely, adding that it encouraged national introspection and dialogue on governance, equity, and responsible citizenship.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who served as Royal Father of the Day, lauded Wike’s forthrightness, describing him as a fearless and upright politician.
“Hate him or love him, Wike says things as they are,” the monarch said.
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