Regional Director of the Ford Foundation in West Africa, Dr ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, has emphasised that Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges stem from a lack of transformational leadership, not a shortage of human and material resources.
 
She stressed that visionary leadership is essential for advancing economic growth, promoting social justice, and achieving inclusive prosperity.
 
Speaking at the 22nd Bi-Annual Leadership Lecture and Graduation Ceremony of the African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (LSD) in Abuja, Aniagolu-Okoye highlighted the need for leaders, who can translate potential into progress. 
 
She observed that inequality and social injustice were a result of systems and structures that leaders have the power to change, calling for transparency and accountability in national resource management.
 
The regional director urged graduating students to apply the lessons and values learned during the leadership training to drive positive change in society. 

“You are not just graduating from a school; you are stepping into a vital role in our nation’s story, equipped to transform values into action and visions into realities,” she charged.
 
In his remarks, former Managing Director and CEO of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Dr Benson Uwheru, underscored the importance of visionary leadership in the nation’s economic trajectory, citing countries like Singapore, the UAE, and Rwanda that have achieved economic success through disciplined leadership.
 
He highlighted Nigeria’s challenges, including over-dependence on oil revenues, infrastructure deficits, weak institutions, and youth unemployment. 

However, Uwheru noted opportunities in agriculture, the digital economy, manufacturing, and green energy transition projects. 
 
The guest lecturer urged leaders to engage in visionary and strategic thinking, focusing on long-term national economic transformation plans that prioritise transparency, rule of law, investment in education, healthcare, and skills training.