Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Director General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae and other distinguished Nigerians have commended the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation for raising the consciousness of Nigerians on the need to engage and rescue Nigeria from the problems of Leadership.
They made the commendation during the official launch and unveiling of the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation and colloquium in Benin City to mark the birth day of the former President of the World Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Osunbor Christopher noted that the theme of the official launch of the foundation, ” Nigeria and the Leadership question: Unlocking the Potential for a Better Tomorrow is incisive and speak to the leadership question.”
The Director General of Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, in his opening remarks said Nigeria has become a pitiable situation today that there is need to engage to alleviate the national sense of disillusionment and this requires more than mere complaints.
According to him, ” We seek to change the narrative and the Foundation’s launch is a transformative step aimed at enhancing service delivery, fostering leadership excellence, and ensuring universal access to leadership excellence, quality healthcare, education and other societal opportunities for all.
“This initiative is not just a personal endeavor, it represents a collective mission that invites partnership and collaboration from compassionate individuals to address the many challenges faced by Nigerians, like access to health and quality education.
Dr. Enabulele disclosed that his vision includes empowering vulnerable groups and uplifting communities through targeted programs, mentorship, and improved access to essential services, adding that, the goal is to create an empowered society where everyone enjoys equitable access to opportunities, regardless of their backgrounds.
The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae in a key note address urged Nigerians to seek solutions to their challenges from within, emphasizing the nation’s diversity as a source of strength because the Nigerian potential lies in its diversity.
While pointing out that leadership challenges are not exclusive to Nigeria, Prof. Eghosa noted that they require localized solutions and citizens engagement in addressing these issues and he expressed optimism that Nigeria will become great
The former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Prof. Tonnie Iredia, also raised urgent concerns about Nigeria’s electoral integrity and he advocated for a neutral electoral commission to correct existing flaws and suggested that all general elections be held on the same day to streamline the process.
While Citing the successful electoral systems in nations like Ghana and South Africa, Iredia advocated for the need for modernization and efficiency in Nigeria’s electoral framework, with a call for timely resolution of election disputes before candidates assume office.
Prof. Iredia pointed out the contradiction in having partisan individuals serve as electoral commissioners, stating, “Nigeria is in dire need of an impartial electoral umpire.
According to him, “Our constitution, stipulates that anyone with partisan ties should not hold the position of electoral commissioner; yet that is not the case. If we want election to succeed in Nigeria we must manage it and ensure it is well coordinated and there must be collaboration by all because it is a matter of public interest.”
Iredia further proposed a strategic solution that all general elections in Nigeria should be held on the same day and he warned that a single flawed electoral process could jeopardize the prospects of a legitimate front runner even before the official election occurs, underscoring the urgency for reforms in the electoral framework.
A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Friday Okonofua in his lead presentation spoke on the attainment of citizens Health Rights and Universal Health Coverage and the panel discussion, Moderated by a former Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Barr. Osaghae Obayuwana called on Nigerians not to give up hope on the nation.
