Fayemi canvasses political restructuring

Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi has called for a restructuring of the country’s political system to allow for decentralisation of powers.

He also canvassed updated rules, policies and institutions for effective management of the nation’s diversities.

Delivering a lecture titled, ‘Fixing Nigeria for a better world’ yesterday during the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) at 60 distinguished lecture, in Lagos, the Ekiti State helmsman noted: “The discontent and agitations currently being felt in parts of the country are symptomatic of structural challenges that can be discussed and amicably agreed upon when all constituent units of the federation discuss and agree on what the Nigeria of their dream means. Addressing this question would ensure we are on a path to greatness and would generate a sense of purpose required to attain our best potential.”

To tackle some national challenges, he suggested massive job creation, adding the need to surmount inequality, poverty and corruption.

Fayemi urged NIIA to promote study and understanding of international affairs by undertaking efforts towards revamping the institute and ensuring that the most gifted hands are recruited.

According to him, if Nigeria properly harnesses the youthful population, the country could easily transit to a major force on the world stage.

To translate these advantages of the nation into real power, the governor said the requisite domestic and foreign policy need should be adopted through a strategic approach.

“Without the alignment of our domestic and foreign policies, whatever we do might end up being an exercise in futility,” Fayemi added.

He equally stressed the importance of documenting the nation’s experiences and project into the future as “Nigeria has given so much to the world, particularly Africa, on the foreign policy front.”

“We have garnered so much experience in the process, but have little documented for posterity and for telling our own stories. I hope that the new NIIA would take this as a key responsibility,” the governor stated.