Kachikwu, who stated this in his keynote address yesterday, during the fifth yearly colloquium organised by Trinity House, in honour of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, themed ‘Nigeria: A path to Prosperity,’ called for a shift in mindset, urging Nigerians to prioritise excellence, accountability and ethical leadership.
He said that while Nigeria possesses vast resources, a resilient population, and an emerging entrepreneurial landscape, these assets would not translate into prosperity without visionary leadership and difficult but necessary decisions.
“History has shown us that no nation becomes great by accident,” he said, citing countries like China, Singapore, and the UAE, where disciplined governance and strategic policies can transform societies.
The former minister lamented the deterioration of societal values, which include the celebration of fraudulent wealth, neglect of education, and the decline of ethical standards.
He condemned the rise of social media-driven false lifestyles and the politicisation of governance, warning that these trends undermine national development.
Kachikwu, who said that true success must be measured by impact and legacy rather than temporary wealth or political positions, urged Nigerians to embrace innovation, invest in entrepreneurship, and actively contribute to national progress.
The Pastor in charge of Trinity House and host of the event, Ituah Ighodalo, expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s trajectory, lamenting that the vision of a thriving Nigeria that many had during their youth has not materialised.
“The Nigeria we grew up believing in is not the Nigeria we see today. We must all take responsibility in ensuring that our democracy is strong, our economy is vibrant, and our people are empowered,” he said.
He, therefore, called for unity and a collective approach to nation-building, urging Nigerians to participate actively in governance and economic initiatives.
Ighodalo, while speaking on the motive behind the event, said that the initiative began in 2021 during the pandemic as a platform for meaningful discussions on Africa’s development and had, over the years, evolved into a formidable forum for addressing critical issues with a focus on identifying homegrown solutions to our challenges.
“This year’s theme highlights our nation’s immense potential to become the wealthiest black nation. Our land, resources and people hold the key to greatness, but true progress requires visionary leadership, accountability and persistence,” Ighodalo said.
The Guest Speaker/Minister of Finance and Development Planning from Liberia, Augustine Ngafuan, provided an African perspective on economic development.
He stressed the urgent need for Africa to reduce its reliance on foreign aid and instead focus on self-sufficiency, saying, “While aid can build a hospital, only good governance can sustain a healthcare system. While foreign investment can construct a road, only visionary leadership can ensure it leads to lasting prosperity.”
Ngafuan emphasised that Africa’s economic independence depends on stronger regional integration, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a step in the right direction.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Yomi Oluyomi, called for a collective effort to drive Nigeria toward prosperity, emphasising that economic growth and social development require deliberate policies and strong leadership.
He warned that Nigeria’s development could not be regionalised, urging all parts of the country to embrace policies that promote fairness, justice, and inclusive opportunities.
Sanwolu, therefore, called on governments, businesses, and civil society organisations across Nigeria to work together in ensuring that prosperity reaches every citizen, regardless of location or background.
