Need to prioritise national interest resonates at Badejo’s 70th birthday

Timor-Leste President and Nobel Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, has called on Nigeria to assert its national interest in global politics.

Speaking at the 70th birthday symposium of Prof. Babafemi Badejo, themed:‘Politics is Interests: Interrogating the Role of Special Interest in Nigeria’s Development, he warned that the world’s power structures were increasingly shaped by competing interests, often to the detriment of weaker nations.

Ramos-Horta, who served as the United Nations Special Representative to Guinea-Bissau, praised the celebrant for his contributions to political thought and governance. He reflected on their time working together to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, acknowledging Badejo’s role in facilitating key diplomatic engagements across West Africa.

In his address, Ramos-Horta emphasised that global politics is dictated by special interests, often leaving developing nations at a disadvantage. He called on Nigeria to take control of its destiny by adopting a “Nigeria First” approach, similar to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy but in a way that promotes fairness and cooperation rather than domination.

“For its side, Nigeria must harness its wealth its intellectual capital, human resources, and abundant natural endowments to serve its people first,” he said. “This projection of ‘Nigeria First’ must be done in a manner that boosts production and productivity and promotes healthy competition.”

He highlighted the growing shifts in global power, from the rise of BRICS to the weakening influence of Bretton Woods institutions. He urged African nations, particularly Nigeria, to position themselves strategically rather than being pawns in global rivalries.

During an interview with Professor Babafemi Badejo, he stressed that politics is not limited to politicians but affects every aspect of daily life. He argued that people must actively engage in shaping policies that serve their interests rather than leaving governance solely in the hands of politicians.

“Politics is part of everyday life,” Badejo said. “Even within a family, different interests exist, and people put effort into getting what they need. When you take this beyond the family level, whether at the state or regional level, interests become even more significant. If we sit back and allow politicians to control everything without holding them accountable, we are doing ourselves a disservice.”

Reflecting on his milestone birthday, Badejo expressed gratitude to his former students, now colleagues, for organizing the symposium.

Looking ahead, Badejo revealed plans to focus on research and writing, including an upcoming book on the peace process in Somalia and another on Nigeria’s federal character and its impact on development.