13 Apr 2025

Yesterday, As a guest speaker via Zoom at the top Rice University’s inaugural African Development Conference, themed "The Governance Revolution"- an event being held for the first time in the university’s 100-year history. I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the critical role of governance in Africa’s development. I emphasized that everything begins with competent leadership—one that possesses the capacity and compassion to serve and is committed to the ideals of good governance within a measurable development paradigm. We must invest in education to prepare the skilled workforce required for productivity, security of life and property and adherence to the rule of law must be upheld. The rule of law must be sacrosanct. We must fight corruption to its barest minimum and implement policies that support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). We must invest in education to prepare the skilled workforce required for productivity. Security of life and property and adherence to the rule of law must be upheld. Wet must fight corruption to its barest minimum and ensure that those who engage in corruption are punished. We must engage MSME which remains the backbone for economic and job creation. Comparable nations with large populations, like Indonesia and the Philippines, have demonstrated that with the right governance structures, such demographic strength can become an economic asset. We must do the same in Africa. I sincerely thank the RAADE (Rice University Association for African Development) Board for organizing this important event focused on African development. The conference is both inspiring and commendable and reflects the power of youth in our society to shape the future of our continent. A new Nigeria and Africa are POssible! -PO