The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has implored Nigerians to arise with clear eyes and committed hearts to build, to serve, and to dream again, if Nigerians must see the country they dream off.
Delivering the biannual University Distinguished Personality Lecture Series of the Obafemi Awolowo University recently, Wike noted that every great nation begins not as a fact, but as an idea, an aspiration born in the hearts and minds of those who dare to dream of something larger.
Nigeria, as it is today, he said, was conceived in the crucible of a paradox: consummated by the colonial imperative of amalgamation, yet nurtured by the enduring hope of unity in diversity.
He added that from the very beginning, there has always existed a powerful dream that this vast land of many tongues and traditions would someday become a beacon of harmony, justice, and prosperity.
“Nigeria did not emerge fully formed in 1960; rather, it was the culmination of centuries of historical currents, shaped by internal complexities and external interventions. The birth of the nation was both an end and a beginning, a long and winding journey toward self-realisation. When the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green flag was hoisted on October 1, 1960, the air was electric with expectation. Across cities and villages, across boardrooms and marketplaces, there was a profound sense that something extraordinary was unfolding, that the political kingdom had finally arrived, bearing with it the promise of renewal, dignity, and glory.
“Our founding fathers and the nationalists of that era did not merely seek power; they embodied a profound sense of mission. Men of vision, character, and competence respected across Africa and beyond stood at the helm, ready to chart a new course for their people. Their confidence in Nigeria’s potential was not misplaced. With vast natural resources, a vibrant and diverse populace, and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, Nigeria stood poised to assume its place as the economic powerhouse of Africa, the ‘Giant of Africa’, not just in name, but in action and impact.
“There was an almost sacred belief that this new nation would carry the torch of freedom, not just for itself, but for all of Africa and the oppressed peoples of the world. The Nigeria of our dreams was not a mirage. It was and remains a living aspiration, built on pillars of justice, equity, and shared prosperity. It is a vision of a country where ethnicity does not trump talent, where competence, not connections, is the true currency of leadership, and where public office is not a personal privilege but a solemn trust.”
Commenting on probably what went wrong, Wike maintained that Nigeria of today that many dreamt off, including founding fathers, is not the Nigeria they dreamt of.
He added that somewhere between the ecstasy of independence and the stark realities of today, the dream faltered. “We stumbled on the jagged rocks of corruption, danced too long with the ghosts of mediocrity, and surrendered too frequently to the paralysing cynicism of despair. Our institutions, once envisioned as pillars of progress, have buckled under the weight of impunity and ethnicity.
“The rule of law is often treated as an inconvenience. The social contract has frayed, and the moral compass of leadership has spun wildly off course. The once vibrant hope of a united, thriving nation has dimmed in the eyes of many, especially our youth, whose immense potential now languishes in frustration or bleeds out through the desperate exit of the so-called ‘Japa’ syndrome.
“From the global spotlight in 1960, where Nigeria stood tall as a rising star, she has tragically become a cautionary tale, a dwarf in many respects. We were hailed as Africa’s beacon, rich in resources, vibrant in culture, and dynamic in population. But over six decades on, Nigeria has spectacularly underperformed and underachieved, so, persistently and so profoundly that her name now evokes disbelief, pity, or ridicule in international circles. Consider India, our peer at independence, once a third-world nation grappling with poverty and colonial hangovers.
“Today, India builds aircraft, has developed a locally produced cervical cancer vaccine, and commands respect among the world’s naval powers with its homegrown aircraft carriers. India is now the world’s fourth-largest producer of passenger vehicles. In 2018–2019 alone, it rolled out over four million cars. And Nigeria? We do not even manufacture bicycles. This painful contrast underscores the consequences of missed opportunities, broken leadership, unenterprising citizenry and arrested development.”
He noted that every fault line imaginable is virtually cracking open with insecurity festers across the land while infrastructure lies in ruins. “Our public school system is gasping for breath, and our economy is reeling under the weight of bad policies, runaway inflation, and a currency in free fall from a time when one dollar exchanged for one naira, to today, when over 1,500 naira chases a single dollar.
“The Nigerian passport has become a red flag at foreign airports. It is a symbol of suspicion rather than pride, our global image tarnished by decades of corruption, fraud, and state failure.”
Wike state that the nation’s value system, once anchored on integrity and hard work, has been upended. “The new gospel is money acquired at all costs, flaunted without shame. The youth, disillusioned and restless, are caught in a whirlwind of get-rich-quick schemes, internet fraud, ritualism, and other dark pursuits. Religious institutions, which ought to be moral beacons, have joined the parade. Wealth is worshipped from the pulpit. Celebrity pastors rival pop stars in flamboyance. Mosques and churches reserve front rows for convicted looters and notorious criminals. Even our sacred spaces have not been spared the rot.
“We have watched this decay metastasize while many in high places looked the other way or worse, profited from the rot. The litany of woes is long, and for many Nigerians, the dream has faded into a nightmare. A sense of resignation has set in; a creeping hopelessness and a numbing despair. And yet, in the face of this bleak landscape, we must ask: Is all hope lost? Is this the end of the Nigerian story? Can we no longer dream of a nation that works, that cares, that inspires?”
Wike is very optimistic of Nigeria rising and soaring to the pinnacle of the hopes and glory that greeted its birth because the country has the men, materials and resources to transport the country to the zenith of rediscovery, blissful attainment and actualisation of its potential; that apogee of real development and prosperity for all our peoples.
“Indeed, it is safe to say that many of the views people hold about Nigeria are shaped by deep misconceptions, judging the country as one might judge a lengthy book by its cover. But there is far more to Nigeria than what often meets the eye. Every country has had its share of trials, and though we grapple with flaws, setbacks, and a heavy national debt burden, Nigeria in its real sense is a beautiful nation blessed with astonishing natural landscapes, a dazzling array of cultures, and some of the most passionate, creative, and determined citizens on earth.
“It is deeply saddening that Nigeria’s glory is often dimmed not by a lack of potential, but by the failures of those entrusted with power, and by a followership that has too often become passive. Still, being a Nigerian means a great deal. I count myself fortunate to be a citizen of the ‘Giant of Africa’. Our country, for all her troubles, remains an indispensable voice on the continent, an economic powerhouse and a cultural juggernaut. Though the present may seem bleak, the future remains open to transformation. It is not too late to turn this land of promise into a land of fulfilment.”
To reclaim Nigeria’s dream, Wike stated that Nigerians must first reclaim their belief in the possibility of that dream, rejecting the defeatist narrative that nothing can change.
“Change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people. The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia. It is a Nigeria that works. It is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river, and where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.
“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship. It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible. It is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant.
“Reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of vision and values. We must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny. We must rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities, across faiths and generations. We must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth, and the strength of unity. Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.”
Wike maintained that the work to reclaim Nigeria’s dream belongs to all Nigerians, insisting that no one is too small to matter or too big to fail. “Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long. The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it.
“Nigeria of our dreams will not fall into our laps by wishing; it will be won by working. It will demand of us not only passion, but patience. Not only inspiration, but perspiration. Not only courage in moments of glory, but character in seasons of testing. Let us therefore rise not as spectators clapping from the sidelines, but as architects laying brick upon brick. Let us rise above cynicism and mediocrity, and embrace vision, sacrifice, and purpose. Let us dare to believe that greatness is not beyond us, but within us, waiting to be awakened,” Wike stated.
In his address at the lecture, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of OAU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, noted that the Distinguished Personality Lecture, was not merely an event, but an embodiment of the university’s civic duty to stimulate national conversation, uphold the values of leadership and interrogate the pressing challenges of the time.
“This tradition is rooted in the intellectual heritage of classical forums and medieval universities, where public figures, scholars and citizens engaged in sober reflection and knowledge-sharing for the good of society. Amongst its other vital roles to society, the university is to serve as the hub of transformative ideas, a grooming ground for prospective national leaders and a think tank for the nation. Consequently, universities have the responsibility to consistently reflect on the state of the nation, and suggest innovative solutions to the government and the entire society on the myriads of challenges that confront us in our strides for national development.
“This University Distinguished Personality Lecture Series is being held as part of initiatives to strengthening the town-gown relations mandate of the university and repositioning it towards fulfilling its expectations of producing knowledge for national development. For a university to fulfil its purpose, it has to be well positioned and build a symbiotic relationship with the larger society. However, a careful look at most Nigerian universities today reveals obvious insulation from the public governance space and a very wide gap between the town and the gown.
“This is not healthy for a developing nation like Nigeria, where universities are supposed to produce knowledge for public good, good governance and national development. Universities and governments need to collaborate, partner and work for mutual benefits and the resultant nation building and national prosperity which we all desire.”
Oyeweso further said; “Our great university, Obafemi Awolowo University, has been renowned for playing these roles very well. Since its establishment in 1962, the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, has consistently served as the conscience of the nation. Our university has constantly played host to vital national occasions where issues of national importance are dissected, and bold, honest and timely solutions are suggested.
“Also, we have over the years maintained a reputation as the birthplace of thought leaders, renowned scientists, consummate administrators, political juggernauts, diplomats and activists, amongst several other reputable personalities, who have laboriously contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria.”
Commenting on the topic, “Nigeria of Our Dreams” Oyeweso stated that it could not have come at a better time than now. “Our democracy, while enduring, is still evolving. Our governance structures are tested daily by the demands of justice, inclusion, accountability and sustainable development. And our national development, though not without progress, still falls short of our immense potential.
“We are, therefore, honoured to host a highly distinguished patriot and statesman who personifies the intersection of leadership, governance, statecraft and public service. His Excellency Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, is no stranger to the Nigerian political and administrative landscape. He is one of the rarest breeds of Nigerian politician statement who have served at the three layers of government in Nigeria.”
