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Prof. Pat Utomi, a notable figure in Nigeria’s political and economic spheres, has criticized the nation’s soaring poverty levels, characterizing them as “a national disgrace that demands urgent attention.”
At the The New Tribe launch, part of a Global Village Square Town Hall gathering at Four Points By Sheraton in Lagos, Prof. Pat Utomi highlighted Nigeria’s alarming poverty figures, noting it now surpasses India’s, even though India’s population is seven times larger.
Utomi stated, “This country of great potential, as we celebrate 64 years of independence, is still crawling. It has become the place of domicile for the poorest people on the planet. The Brookings study a few years ago showed how, in absolute numbers, there are more poor people in Nigeria than in India. That should make anybody feel ashamed. How? Explain to me how the richest can become the poorest.”
He pointed out the deterioration of societal values, attributing much of Nigeria’s current struggles to this ongoing decay.
Utomi called for greater citizen engagement in confronting Nigeria’s challenges, urging everyone to work together toward meaningful solutions.
“Fundamentally, progress is dependent on culture, on your values. And if you look at Nigeria, the one clear thing is the collapse of culture. The values have gone south. I mean, people don’t have a sense of shame anymore. Our political class is an embarrassment,” he remarked.
Utomi remarked on the fragility of Nigeria’s institutions, especially in the justice field, indicating that these failings contribute to a lack of interest from investors looking to engage with the country.
He noted, “The Nigerian judiciary is considered a joke around the world. Nobody takes it seriously. Investors don’t come to Nigeria because they say to you, ‘If I have a dispute with a partner in Nigeria, going to court is a waste of time. Complete waste of time.’ And so they go to a country where the returns can be less, but where at least they know some justice can be obtained from the courts.”
Regarding ‘The New Tribe’ initiative, Utomi explained that it aims to unite like-minded individuals with progressive ideas to foster development without relying solely on government action.
He emphasised the important role of the Nigerian diaspora in the country’s transformation, drawing parallels with the historical development of nations like Japan, India, and China, which benefited from their diasporas.
Read also: Why Nigeria Needs A ‘Stingy Man’ Like Peter Obi – Pat Utomi
“The diaspora has a fundamental role to play in the transformation of our country,” he said, adding that the initiative seeks to foster a spirit of ‘Ubuntu’—the idea that “I am because we are.”
Under the umbrella of ‘The New Tribe,’ one initiative seeks to capitalize on the expertise of diaspora medical professionals to elevate health services in Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on improving first aid training and emergency care.
The event showcased a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Dr. Yinusa Tanko from the Obidient Movement, prominent human rights attorney Femi Falana (SAN), Yemi Adamolekun, the Executive Director of Enough is Enough, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Nana Kazaure.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Convention on Business Integrity in Nigeria, Soji Apanpa, highlighted the essential nature of public accountability, urging citizens from all ethnic groups in Nigeria to uphold ethical standards.
He stated, “Values matter in tribes. There’s a central theme running through the conscience of anyone who is in this new tribe, which is that we do things right and we do the right things.”
Capping off the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ‘The New Tribe’ initiative and three state governments, focusing on emergency services. Dr. Gaza Gwamna, Commissioner for Health in Nasarawa State, joined Prof. Pat Utomi in signing the agreement.
