By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a leader with the courage and visionary qualities to act and move Nigeria forward.
Speaking at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, on Monday in Ile- Ife at the Distinguished Personality Lecture , with the theme, “
“Nigeria of Our Dreams”, Wike said that Nigeria has the potential for redemption, amid its numerous socio-political and economic challenges, but through a “leader with the courage to act”.
Wike stated that President Tinubu, is an embodiment of leardership qualities.
“Let me make bold now to state that today in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he declared.
“The President’s qualities of stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy, great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state, and his “rare courage by removing the hydra-headed fuel subsidy.”
Reflecting based on the nation, the FCT Minister stated that Nigeria, like all great nations, began as an aspiration, a dream born from those who dared to envision something greater than themselves.
He said, “A leader of our dreams must be one who is prepared to lead; one who has shown character and resilience in the face of challenges. This leader must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasize excellence over mediocrity.”
He lamented that today Nigeria has backslid from the cherished dream of its founding fathers into a canker worm of corruption, mediocrity, despair disregard for the rule of law, and despair, and the fraying of the social contract.
He also lamented the bitting effect of the “Japa” syndrome on the nation’s development and howvit has drained the hope of the Nigerian youths.
In spite of the sloppy assessment, Wike expressed a strong conviction in “Reclaiming Nigeria’s Dream,” affirming that “Nigeria can still rise and soar to the pinnacle of the hopes and glory that characterized her birth.”
He emphasized that the nation possesses the human and material resources to achieve this rediscovery and actualization of its potential.
According to the FCT minister, the future is hopeful and remains open to transformation,” as he urged Nigerians to shun the defeatist narrative that nothing can change.”
Wike defined the “Nigeria of our dreams” as one where “merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river, and where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.”
Central to reclaiming this dream, the Minister emphasized, is a courageous and prepared leadership stance.
He also underscored the importance of citizen cooperation, stating, “no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped and selfless, can truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry. He stressed that a thriving democratic culture, rooted in accountability, transparency, and active citizen participation, is “at the heart of the Nigerian dream.”
The Minister also listed the indispensable role of the rule of law and justice for good governance stating, “A nation cannot flourish where laws are selectively applied and justice is for sale.”
He advocated for an independent and courageous judiciary, immune from manipulation, and committed to safeguarding human rights and upholding justice for all.
Meanwhile , the Minister noted that qualitative and functional education is the bedrock of national development, and as such, the Nigerian dream cannot be shifted away from quality educational sector.
He commended President Tinubu for “his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing higher education in Nigeria,” via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) , towards spreading the opportunity for education for all willing citizens.
The minister also highlighted the importance of prioritizing healthcare, poverty alleviation and security.
He expressed gratitude for the invitation to deliver a lecture at the prestigious OAU institution.
He said, “To be invited to deliver the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture in this great institution is not merely a personal honour; it is a profound affirmation of the values I have long embraced and championed.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, described Wike as a unique political trajectory, noting how a power broker in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to be a part of President Bola Tinubu’s All-Progressives Congress (APC) cabinet.
“For me, it is something that universities should be studying and I mean it; it’s very important”, Oba Ogunwusi stated.
The Ooni of Ife described Wike as “a politician to be studied” for his sustained relevance over two decades.
Chief host of the event and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen, represented by his Deputy, Kola Adewusi, also described the FCT Minister as a tested politician and public office holder who speaks his mind, no matter how harsh or critical.
He said it was a rare privilege for policymakers and academics to tap into the FCT Minister’s wealth of knowledge in public office.
Also speaking, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, OAU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it was the first time the institution was hosting the distinguished personality lecture since it was founded in 1961, adding that the FCT Minister was also privileged to be a maker of history to deliver the first distinguished University lecture.
Prof. Oyeweso, described Barr. Wike as a great.
a great man and distinguished Nigerian who has been consistent with his vision for the country, reflected in his brand of politics.
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