Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has charged African leaders to address economic hardship, tackle corruption and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.
Osinbajo, while delivering a lecture titled “Democracy and Development: The Imperative of People-Centred Governance” on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yola, as part of activities marking the 59th birthday of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri., said African leaders should strengthen people-centred governance.
“Public confidence in government institutions remained a concern, while economic hardship, unemployment, poor living conditions and inequality continued to undermine citizens’ expectations.
“Governance must be participatory and collaborative, supported by systems that promote accountability, measure performance and ensure that government delivers tangible results for the people,” he said.
Osinbajo observed that although many Africans preferred democratic rule, significantly fewer were satisfied with its performance.
The former vice president also expressed concern over declining voter turnout in Nigeria, citing figures that fell from approximately 44 per cent in 2015 to 35 per cent in 2019 and 27 per cent in 2023.
“Corruption, electoral irregularities and disregard for the rule of law could further weaken public trust in democracy, particularly among young people.
“Citizens expected democratic governance to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people if it was to retain their confidence and support,,” Osinbajo said.
The former vice president commended Fintiri for investments in security, healthcare, education and social welfare, noting that such initiatives demonstrate how politics can improve people’s lives.
He also lauded the governor for using his birthday celebration as an opportunity to discuss the future of Nigeria and Africa rather than focusing solely on personal festivities.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri said birthdays should be occasions for gratitude to God and sober reflection on personal achievements and contributions to society rather than moments of self-glorification.
He explained that his experiences as a husband, father, businessman and politician had provided opportunities to serve society.
“My decision to organise a public lecture was intended to encourage meaningful discussions on democracy, leadership and the responsibilities of public office holders,” Fintiri said.
He thanked Osinbajo for accepting the invitation to deliver the lecture and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of Adamawa residents, stressing that good governance must produce lasting benefits for society.
“The gathering of distinguished personalities provided an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s challenges and explore practical ways of strengthening democracy and accelerating national development,” Fintiri added.
The governor also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office, saying the foundation would provide scholarships and other forms of support to vulnerables in the society.
He expressed appreciation to his wife, who also celebrated her birthday, describing her as a special gift from God and also thanked his children for their support and understanding throughout his years in public service.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, who is the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, urged political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect citizens’ rights and allow people to express their opinions without fear of intimidation.
“Leaders should desist from using public resources and government institutions to silence dissenting voices. Democracy thrived when citizens could freely choose their leaders, question their actions and seek political change through peaceful means,” Kefas said.
In his remarks, the guest speaker at the event, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, emphasised the need for effective communication between government and citizens to promote understanding of public policies, strengthen democratic governance and enhance participation in the development process.
“The population growth presented significant challenges to governments at both national and subnational levels, particularly in providing education, healthcare, employment opportunities and essential infrastructure.
“The rising cost of living was partly influenced by global economic challenges, including international conflicts that had disrupted markets, increased commodity prices and raised production costs,”Jibrin observed.
He called for improved communication to help the public understand government policies, ongoing projects and the challenges associated with governance.
Dignitaries at the birthday lecture included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), governors of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Kano states, as well as traditional rulers and other prominent personalities.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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