A former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Alex Ogomudia, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Mike Ozekhome, have expressed optimism for a better Nigeria.
Both men spoke on Monday at the 2024 Midwest Herald Achievers Awards in Benin City, Edo State, where they both proferred solutions to Nigeria’s developmental and social decay.
Speaking on how to foster good governance in Nigeria, Ozekhome argued that stringent penalties should be melted for political corruption and offenders should be treated like those who have committed financial crimes.
The senior lawyer condemned the rise of impunity among political leaders in the country and the exploitation of governmental systems for personal gain.
“Political corruption should be aggressively tackled with the same seriousness and penalties as financial crimes,” Ozekhome said.
He also called for reforms in electoral adjudication, proposing measures to ensure that electoral violations are met with appropriate penalties.
On his part, Gen Ogomudia emphasised the need for politicians to learn development strategies, tracing the dynamics between ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Empathy Intelligence’.
He argued that the lack of these qualifications is responsible for the deficiency in leadership faced in the country, noting that politicians seeking leadership role should be made to go through foundational training.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Organisation, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo, welcomed the guests who were present.
She said that the recognition was birthed to honour individuals with excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership.
Owen praised the Founder, Publisher, and Chairman of Midwest Herald Newspaper, Honourable Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, and hailed His Royal Majesty, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun State, and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje Thompson, the Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni, who were the chairpersons at the investiture ceremony.
She said, “The theme of this year’s investiture is ‘Democracy, Development and Nigerians aptly fits the mode of the nation.
“For over two decades, the Midwest Herald through the Achievers Awards has not only recognized achievers but has spotlighted the super achievers – political and business leaders who have dared to dream, navigated turbulent times, and upheld the highest ethical standards while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.
“This afternoon, we are not just here to applaud success, we are here to reaffirm a profound truth that: leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge. True leadership is not a title; it is a responsibility to build, to uplift, and to push the boundaries of what is possible for our nation.
“At a time when our country faces social and economic challenges, the individuals we honour today stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that integrity, innovation, and hard work remain timeless pillars of nation-building.
“On behalf of Midwest Herald, the Board of Advisers, and the entire Midwest Achievers Awards team, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all honourees.
“Your journey is a testament to the fact that the reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
