By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on member states to practice the politics of transformational governance across the African region. Wike made this call on Thursday while delivering his keynote address titled “Reimagining Africa’s Leadership and Investment” at the 2025 Innovate Africa Conference, held at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Abuja.
The FCT Minister expressed worry over the persistent trend of underdevelopment in the region despite the abundance of resources, adding that there is a need for a shift from patronage politics to transformational governance.
Wike linked the continent’s underdevelopment to the challenges of poor governance and self- serving politics.
He said, “Africa today stands at a historic crossroads. On one hand, we are blessed with immense natural wealth, youthful energy, and creative potential; yet, we continue to grapple with weak institutions, infrastructural decay, poverty, and widespread unemployment. This is the paradox of our age—how can a continent so richly endowed remain so constrained?
In the same manner, Wike decried Africa’s leadership trends , both in military and civilian dispensations over decades, stressing that the “self-serving patterns are hindering national interest and development priority in the region.
The minister, who was honoured with the Innovate Africa Leadership Award 2025 at the event.
He stressed that the type of leadership needed in the continent is one that defines abundance and prosperity and not stagnation.
Meanwhile, he noted that leadership remains the fulcrum upon which the destinies of nations turn. When leadership is visionary, accountable, and courageous, even the most daunting obstacles can be transformed into opportunities.”
Wike cited ongoing transformations in Abuja as proof that vision backed by political will can translate aspirations into tangible outcomes.
“In Abuja, we have seen how infrastructural renewal, anchored on commitment and accountability, can redefine a city’s identity and inspire public confidence. Roads once impassable now connect communities, and abandoned spaces presently thrive with enterprise,” he noted.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reforms and his courageous and reform-driven leadership.
He emphasized the president’s efforts to decentralize governance, devolve development through regional commissions, and strengthen security institutions are laying the foundation for national transformation.
“Tinubu demonstrated uncommon courage by confronting Nigeria’s toughest challenge—subsidy removal—a decision that is already yielding dividends in increased revenue for development and economic stability,” Wike said.
