In order for Africa to become the leading continent in the 21st century, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, believes its citizens must come together to change the leadership system.
Ezekwesili made these remarks during the third 2023 graduation ceremony of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja on Saturday.
She acknowledged that the main challenge facing the continent is leadership, asserting that the worst individuals are currently in power.
The former minister emphasized the importance of deliberate actions by Africans in order to change the continent’s narrative.
“If we succeed in rectifying the leadership anomaly within our continent, one thing is certain: Africa will dominate the 21st century,” She stated.
“The underlying issue in Africa is poor public leadership; this has been acknowledged repeatedly as a continental problem.
“The SPPG is our solution and response to this problem. We believe that it is not our destiny to be governed by the worst among us. And if we reject such a situation, we must take action to rectify it.”
Ezekwesili, who founded the SPPG, explained that the school was established with the purpose of grooming leaders with integrity who will bring about positive change in the political and business sectors.
She urged the graduates to always maintain good character and uphold the values of character, competence, and capacity that the school advocates for.
Ezekwesili issued a warning that the certificates awarded to the graduates would be revoked if they were found lacking in character or competence while in any public office.