As Nigeria marks its 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, Micheal Ale , a sustainable development expert and the founder of Global initiative for Nigeria Development, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use this pivotal moment to lay a strong foundation for the emergence of sustainable generational leaders in the country.
Ale made the call on Thursday during an appearance on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) programme, Lotun Lotun, which focused on the theme: Democracy and the Way Forward in Nigeria, to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political trajectory, Ale lamented the shift in power dynamics where political parties no longer dictate the direction of governance. “In the past, it was the political party that determined who held public office. Today, once elected, individuals control the party instead of being guided by it,” he said.
Questioning the country’s progress over the past two decades, Ale said, “We are celebrating 26 years of democratic dispensation, but where are we? Are we truly making progress as a nation?”
He pointed to Nigeria’s decline in agricultural relevance since the discovery of oil, stating, “We were known as the Giant of Africa because of farming. But with the discovery of natural resources, our value has unfortunately diminished instead of increasing.”
Ale stressed that the responsibility of national development lies with both the government and the people. “Citizens must pay taxes and hold leaders accountable, while those in power must have access to the necessary resources to drive meaningful development,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for government to provide an enabling environment that supports business growth and enhances citizens’ quality of life. “What people want is not luxury, but a government that creates opportunities for comfort and economic empowerment.”
On youth involvement in politics, Ale expressed concern about the current generation’s readiness for leadership. “I saw on television the First Lady presenting certificates of leadership to some youths. But the real question is—are our youths genuinely prepared to lead?” he asked. “Today’s youths are more focused on learning how to make money rather than acquiring leadership skills. Leadership is not taught in classrooms; it requires foresight, vision, and mentorship.”
He urged President Tinubu to prioritize the grooming of future leaders by creating systems and structures that promote accountability, values, and long-term national interest.
“We need foresight. We need deliberate planning for sustainable development. And above all, we need leaders who are ready to raise other leaders for the future of Nigeria,” Ale concluded.
