The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has said corruption, lack of accountability and poor leadership were responsible for Nigeria’s lack of progress.
Governor Yusuf said Nigeria’s democracy is closely tied to the quality of leadership in charge at all levels of governance.
He stated this while giving a speech at a lecture to mark the country’s 64th independence.
“As it is everywhere globally, the success of Nigeria’s democracy is tied closely to the quality of leadership.
“As a developing nation with a complex political landscape, leadership challenges, such as corruption, weak institutions and lack of accountability, have hindered national progress.
“A lecture focusing on leadership challenges will certainly allow for a deeper analysis of the role leaders at both state and national levels play in the country’s successes and shortcomings,” Governor Yusuf said.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chieftain explained that Nigeria cannot achieve her full progress without the federating units living up to its potential.
He noted that states play a crucial role in ensuring democracy yields the desired results for the citizens. He added that by addressing challenges in education, health and infrastructure at the state level the country’s progress would be achieved.
Yusuf continued, “Although the topics address national issues, its specific focus on Kano State is highly relevant. States are the building blocks of Nigeria’s federal structure, and the progress of individual states contributes to the overall success of the nation.
“Allow me to also remind you that the future of Nigeria is deeply linked to the development of its states. A brighter future for Kano State can serve as a small-scale version of the broader national aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.
“By addressing state-level challenges in leadership, education, health, and infrastructure, these topics emphasize the importance of localized governance as a stepping stone to national success.
“We must recognize that democracy is a journey, and the success of that journey is largely dependent on the quality of leadership at every level — national, state, and local government.
“We in Kano State are fully committed to playing our part in strengthening the democratic process and building institutions that foster good governance.”