Nigeria’s Major Problem Not Corruption But Civic Infidelity, Says Ex-Presidential Aspirant Egbo

A one-time presidential aspirant under the National Rescue Movement party, Prof. Benedicta Egbo, has identified civic infidelity as the major problem of Nigeria and not corruption, contrary to popular opinion.

Egbo was speaking on Thursday during an annual lecture in her honour and the public presentation of her book entitled, “Education and Sustainable Development in 21st Century Nigeria.”

The Canada-based Professor of Education, who admitted that endemic corruption was part of Nigeria’s albatross, however argued that if the citizens in Nigeria are patriotic, they will unite and build bridges for peace and national development for the common good of everyone.

“If you are patriotic and you love your nation, you will not want to engage in corruption. Patriots understand that the country’s commonwealth is not a personal asset to be converted to private use. Similarly, patriots do not exploit diversity based on primordial sentiments and loyalties,” she stated.

She stated, however, that the country’s challenges are not insurmountable adding that the reason for the lecture is for Nigerians to collectively unite and discuss ways to make a difference in the country.

“This august gathering is premised on the belief that our socio-economic and political challenges are not intractable. They can be changed because Nigeria has so much talent, resources and potential. Moreover, I am convinced that with the right policies, governance and architecture, strong institutions, and a peaceful thriving economic environment, Nigeria can once again live up to its nickname as the giant of Africa and also become an exceptional respected member among the committee of Nations,” she said.

While speaking about her book, Egbo stated that the book covers a wide range of topics in education and sustainable development within the context of a competitive 21st Century global arena that demands innovation, creativity, adaptive skill, multiple literacies, including knowledge of ICTs, environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Also speaking during his opening statement, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, Dr. Alfred Chiakor, stated that the choice of the public lecture could not have come at a better time, considering the myriad of challenges mushrooming at different locations around the country.

He expressed hope that the stakeholders in the lecture will do justice to the purpose of the event which he noted was to find solutions not only to the problems of the day, but to join hands in building a nation that fulfills the collective dreams and yearnings of “our generation, and to bequeath a legacy to generations yet unborn”.

While delivering the Public Lecture a professor of Political Science and Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof L. Adele Jinadu,accused politicians of making it difficult for the election body in the country to conduct credible elections.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Reclaiming Nigeria’s Future: Strategic Frameworks for achieving transformation change”, Jinadu called on past leaders of the country, speak up against the ills in the country adding that continuing to remain silent will spell doom for the country.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the event, Maj. Gen. Chris Garuba(Rtd) commended Egbo for her contribution in the service of humanity adding her achievement had made Nigeria proud.