Sodeinde QuadriIn a thought-provoking lecture delivered during the 50th-anniversary celebration of PUNCH Newspapers, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka asserted that Nigeria needs to undergo decentralization to address its challenges effectively. The event took place at the Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The scholar and elder statesman argued for decentralization as a crucial step towards improving governance and bringing it closer to the people. Soyinka expressed his views during his lecture titled ‘Recovering the Narrative,’ emphasizing the need for leaders to stop taking advantage of the Nigerian populace.
While discussing the concept of restructuring, Soyinka stated his preference for terms like “reconfiguration” and “decentralization.” He highlighted the leaders’ understanding of the importance of these measures before assuming power, only to witness a change in their stance afterward.
Soyinka addressed the critical issue of security, describing it as a burden affecting every corner of the nation. He advocated for decentralization to empower citizens, making governance more responsive and accountable to their needs. He stressed the urgency of leaders recognizing the inevitability of decentralization for the nation’s progress.
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Expressing his concerns about the fear of a potential collapse or break-up, Soyinka suggested facing the possibility of an informal break-up and addressing the situation head-on. He proposed establishing clear protocols for national unity and citizenship, with consequences for those unwilling to abide by them.
In his concluding remarks, Soyinka quoted his favorite expression, “Let nations die, that humanity may live,” suggesting a willingness to embrace changes that would ensure the well-being and dignity of the citizens.
