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

n n

Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, on Thursday lamented Nigeria’s socio-economic decline and what he described as weak political leadership.

n

He stated this while delivering a paper at the first annual public lecture organised by the Foursquare Gospel Church, Aba Ibeji, titled “Nigeria’s Kinetics: How Long?”

n

The event was held at Mauve 21 in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

n

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

n

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

n

The PUNCH reports that Adesina, a former Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers and former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, was appointed spokesperson to the late President Buhari.

n

After leaving office in 2023, he returned to The Sun as Executive Vice Chairman.

n

Speaking further, Adesina blamed the country’s challenges on corruption, poor leadership, weak infrastructure and unemployment.

n

“These have prevented the country from reaching its full potential. Many young Nigerians are frustrated because they cannot find good jobs or enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.

n

Quoting statements by Nigeria’s past and present leaders, from Tafawa Balewa to President Bola Tinubu, Adesina said they had all spoken about the country’s vast resources and bright future, but their promises had largely remained unfulfilled.

n

He challenged Nigerian leaders to match their words with action to ensure that citizens benefit from the country’s resources.

n

Also speaking at the event, the Editor of Saturday Sun and columnist, Lasisi Olagunju, said, “Are there possibilities of kinetic movement from the past failures after various speakers have identified bad leadership as the bane of all-round growth of the country?

n

“With the presentation of the various speakers, it shows that the country had better yesterdays. The country fared better when we were practising true federalism. The situation nosedived when we started practising a unitary system under the guise of federalism.”

n

Other speakers expressed the view that all Nigerians must contribute to the country’s development.

n

“The present generation has failed the country. We are responsible for the woes that have befallen the country,” they said.

n n