The Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has said the struggle and clamour for a new Nigeria that is economically strong and infrastructural developed is only possible with very active and responsible followership.
The business mogul and founder of the university, who stated this in his address at the ninth undergraduate and fifth post-graduate convocation of the institution yesterday, condemned the stereotype of blaming only the leadership for the poor state of the nation.
He said Nigeria might not get out of the wood unless the followership accepts responsibility in nation building. Adeleke, in the address, titled, “Change Begins with You,” lamented the increasing rejection and maltreatment of Nigerians in several countries, saying that most challenges drawing the nation back are traceable to both followership refusal to take responsibility and the leadership complacency in the face of willing citizenry.
He told the new graduates that they could build a new country by making a difference through responsible citizenship.
“In Nigeria, we blame the leaders. What about the followership? Citizenship comes with responsibility. Building a nation does not rest on leadership alone. When everybody contributes their quota, the nation grows and develops,” he said.
“You can start by holding your leaders accountable. Developed democracies are what they are because of active citizenship. Young ones can still build a new Nigeria. There are many reasons for my optimism. If you are determined to change the narrative and make a difference, you can do it within 10 to 15 years.
He added: “Nigerians in Diaspora do well because they function in a society where followership holds the leadership to account for good governance.
“Change the narrative. Let the change for a positive and new Nigeria starts with you. Let not have youth corps’ members colluding with election riggers. Let’s stop followers from vandalising public infrastructure. Let us put an end to young graduates engaging in thoughtless money rituals instead of entrepreneurship.
“Followers should redirect their frustration to monitoring and policing the leadership and actively participate in governance. It is not late for Nigeria. We are blessed with young brilliant population. You can turn Nigeria around. Everybody must contribute something and not just blame the leaders.”
