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Professor Pat Utomi asserts that placing individuals of strong character in leadership roles is essential for transforming Nigeria’s future positively.
The professor of political economy expressed on Channels Television’s Politics Today Wednesday that the country has the human talent necessary for realizing its ambitions.
“Ultimately, values shape human progress. When we have values and people of character and commitment to service are in positions of public authority, our country will turn around,” Utomi said on the programme.
“We have the ingredients, the human capital that it takes to show the way.”
Utomi voiced his concerns about the diminishing culture and values in Nigeria, pointing to the collapse of institutional structures as a primary cause.
According to him, real development in any country is contingent upon the presence of strong institutions, particularly the judiciary and electoral bodies, among others.
Read also: Utomi: Nigeria’s Poverty Rate A National Disgrace
“The biggest challenge we have is that culture is in collapse in Nigeria, values shape human progress. How do we get a values revolution? Institutions are critical for human progress if we can commit to building stronger institutions that push back on people who do not do right and the rule of law is fully in place.
“Look at our judiciary, it is a laughing stock – no country can make real progress without a judiciary that you can rely on. Look at our other institutions whether it is INEC or others, they are weak.
“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions and that we have values that really ensure that character matters and that people of character can show a light? We can do it, I am absolutely confident because I have seen it happen in human history,” he said.
According to Utomi, young Nigerians share responsibility for the country’s issues, as they often support corrupt politicians during elections. He emphasized that the nation would thrive if leaders abandon nepotism in favor of merit-based leadership.