29th August, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Tony Elumelu, founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has said that nation-building is not a quick fix, but entails sacrifices.
He said Nigerians cannot keep doing the same things and expect different outcomes.
Elumelu, in his address at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Abuja on Sunday, said Nigerian leaders must lead nation-building, “by laying those important foundations for our nation – let us renew our infrastructure.
“We know our energy deficits, we experience the disillusionment of our youth, manifest in the tragic loss of talent, as our young, at times, and at great risk to themselves, seek opportunities abroad.
“Opportunities that our fertile, bountiful country should supply. We see the plundering of our commonwealth through oil theft and pipeline destruction in broad daylight! We experience every day the impact of climate change.
“We see our loved ones kidnapped and killed. Insecurity breeds disorder, feeds intolerance and destroys opportunity. Our country has experienced division – unnecessary division and the squandering of heritage.
“Nation building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity. At its core, nation-building is the intricate process of forging a cohesive, harmonious, and united society, out of diverse individuals, culture, and ideologies.”
According to Elumelu, transforming Nigeria is a journey that demanded everyone’s collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socio-economic differences.
He said this great task is not the responsibility of government alone, stressing that great nations start with great people, not just great leaders.
“Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building. It behooves us all to collaborate in unity to reset Nigeria.
“So, what does this mean? For me this is nothing less than a fundamental renewal of the social and economic infrastructure of Nigeria. The contract between a nation and its people. We have already seen that tough, long avoided economic decisions have been taken.
“We salute the political will and courage that have been found to address the root causes of issues, to introduce policies for the long term, not for the short term. Let us build on this boldness. Congratulations President Bola Ahmed Tinubu!
“Nation building is not a quick fix, it entails sacrifices. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different outcomes. Let us lead our nation building, by laying those important foundations for our nation – let us renew our infrastructure,” Elumelu added.
Elumelu added that there must be investment in the youth, saying “this means not just investment in our education system, but in our entrepreneurial culture. Nigeria is a nation of entrepreneurs – you know me as an investor and champion of entrepreneurs – I know the social and economic returns entrepreneurship creates.
“Let us create a joined-up government task force to champion at the highest level, our young and our entrepreneurs. When entrepreneurs succeed, we succeed as a nation. If they don’t, we all fail.”
Elumelu stated that the task of nation-building must be approached with unwavering determination, guided by the principles of unity, inclusivity, and progress.
He said the pursuit of nation-building must be characterized by unwavering determination, empathy, and the commitment to create a legacy of progress, unity, and hope for generations to come.