Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has called upon Africans to unite and bring about a transformation in the current leadership system to pave the way for the continent’s greatness in the 21st century…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ezekwesili emphasized that leadership remains the fundamental challenge facing Africa in its pursuit of progress.
Speaking in Abuja at the third graduation ceremony of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), which she established, Ezekwesili stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts by all Africans to reshape the narrative on the continent.
“If we can successfully rectify the leadership shortcomings that afflict our continent, one thing is certain: Africa will rise to prominence in the 21st century,” she remarked.
“Africa’s central problem is poor public leadership, a fact we have acknowledged repeatedly as a continent. The SPPG represents our response to that problem.
We assert that it is not our destiny to be governed by the least qualified among us. If you reject a situation, you must take action to correct it.”
Ezekwesili explained that the creation of the SPPG stemmed from the necessity of nurturing leaders of integrity who can assume positions in politics and business, effecting positive change.
She urged the graduating students to uphold values of character, competence, and capacity, which the school advocates. Ezekwesili also cautioned that their certificates could be revoked if they were found lacking in character or competence while holding public office.
In his keynote address, Mr. Gift Siziba, a Member of the Zimbabwean parliament, advocated for free education for all African children, considering it the most effective tool for instigating attitudinal change. Siziba encouraged Africans not to lose hope in the continent, emphasizing that a brighter future awaits when the prevailing issues are addressed, and normalcy is restored.
