KEY POINTS
- Fayemi emphasizes governance over territorial restructuring for equity.
- Distrust undermines Nigeria’s unity and reform progress.
- Young Nigerians demand efficient, results-driven leadership.
Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Visiting Professor at King’s College, London, has called for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s restructuring debate.
Speaking as a Guest Speaker during the 80th birthday celebration of elder statesman Yemi Farounbi in Ibadan, Fayemi underscored that the focus should move from redrawing Nigeria’s geopolitical map to building governance systems that deliver equity and tangible benefits to its citizens.
“The essence of restructuring should not be about redefining territorial boundaries but about creating an efficient governance structure that provides the greatest good for the greatest number,” Fayemi stated. He argued that meaningful reforms must prioritize addressing Nigeria’s pervasive governance inefficiencies.
Recalibrating the governance framework
Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges since its return to democratic rule in 1999, Fayemi described nation-building as an iterative process. “Building a resilient nation requires experimentation, recalibration, and persistent effort. No operative framework is immutable or beyond scrutiny,” he remarked.
According to Punch, Fayemi called on stakeholders to leverage current challenges as opportunities to test and strengthen Nigeria’s governance institutions.
Bridging the trust deficit
Fayemi identified distrust and lack of consensus as significant barriers to progress, noting their detrimental impact on national unity and reform efforts. Using Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform debate as a case in point, he argued that entrenched suspicions among political actors often derail meaningful policy advancements.
“To unlock Nigeria’s potential as a global leader and a symbol of hope for black people worldwide, we must first dismantle the deep-seated distrust that undermines our politics,” Fayemi emphasized.
Equity, inclusion, and generational shifts
Acknowledging the growing impatience of younger Nigerians, Fayemi highlighted the generational demand for results-oriented governance. “This generation, shaped by rapid global change, seeks a democracy that facilitates their aspirations. They are less tolerant of inefficiency and more inclined toward pragmatic solutions,” he noted.
Fayemi also stressed the foundational role of peace, justice, and equity in sustainable nation-building, urging leaders to address systemic inequalities and create an inclusive governance framework.
A celebration of vision and legacy
The event, held at the Law Hub Hall in Ibadan, brought together dignitaries such as former Minister of Education Prof. Tunde Adeniran and journalist Edmund Obilo. It provided a platform for candid discourse on Nigeria’s future while celebrating the contributions of Yemi Farounbi.
Fayemi’s remarks left a lasting impression on attendees, offering a strategic roadmap for addressing governance challenges, fostering unity, and positioning Nigeria for transformative progress. “The time for ideological debates without actionable outcomes is over. Nigerians deserve a governance system that works—efficiently and equitably,” he concluded.
