As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex national challenges, leading academics and professionals have called on the Federal Government to develop a unifying national goal that reflects the ethnic and religious aspirations of all Nigerians to drive rapid development.
Speaking at the Future Leaders Conference 2025—themed “Charting Visionary Paths for Leaders of the Future”—organised by the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA Class of ’88), stakeholders lamented the absence of a cohesive national aspiration, warning that no country can progress without a shared vision embraced by all its citizens.
Keynote speaker and Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, noted that Nigeria’s persistent instability is rooted in the failure of successive political leadership to articulate a binding national purpose.
“We often speak of national dreams and development, but we lack a binding consensus to drive them forward. I call this missing link the Nigerian Dream,” he said.
“Sadly, many Nigerians—especially the marginalised—are unable to contribute to or benefit from such a dream. If we must move forward, we must define who we are, what we stand for, and ensure every Nigerian sees themselves in that vision.”
He continued: “Let it reflect our values—hope, equity, peace, and progress. Let it be taught, lived, and passed on. This moment is not one to ignore. It is a crucial turning point. Without action, we leave behind a bitter inheritance for future generations.”
He urged parents, teachers, and policymakers to return to value-based education and character development. “Character is more important than mere intelligence,” he said.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, stressed the need to harness environmental challenges as opportunities for innovation and wealth creation.
Delivering a presentation titled “Understanding, Confronting, Managing and Converting Today’s Environmental Challenges to Sustainable Wealth of the Future,” he said:
“Sustainable practices can drive innovation, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. Future leaders must understand these challenges in order to convert them into sustainable economic gains.”
Former Delta State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu, and renowned educationist, Mrs. Franca Chibuzor, also addressed the audience, warning students to stay away from social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, homosexuality, and excessive social media use. They listed pornography addiction, peer pressure, depression, and low self-esteem as growing concerns affecting today’s youth.
Earlier, Chairman of GCUOBA Class of ’88, Engr. Frank Ariboyi, said the theme of the conference was a call to “think, dream, and act beyond limitations,” and to embrace excellence, integrity, and innovation.
“We brought together some of the finest minds, visionary leaders, and professionals to share their journeys—failures and triumphs alike—with honesty and purpose,” he said, noting that this year’s conference expanded to include students from other schools.
Other notable speakers at the conference included Prof. Godswill Ofualagba and Pastor Wilson Egbodje, among others.
