The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent governance challenges to a defective leadership recruitment system, stressing that the process of selecting leaders is critical to national development.

Keyamo made the remarks on Tuesday during a public lecture in Akure, Ondo State capital, held to mark the 70th birthday of Chief Olusola Oke.

He defined leadership recruitment as the process through which individuals are identified, selected, groomed and elevated to positions of authority, noting that the integrity of this process determines the quality of governance.

Citing Chinua Achebe’s position that Nigeria’s fundamental problem is a failure of leadership, the minister said the country’s abundant natural and human resources have not translated into progress due to poor leadership selection.

“While Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and human resources, poor leadership selection has stalled our progress,” he said.

Keyamo warned that prioritising money, ethnicity and patronage over merit in leadership selection has far-reaching consequences, including weak institutions, corruption, poverty and insecurity.

“Leadership positions should be responsibilities, not rewards for loyalty,” he added.

Although the 1999 Constitution outlines clear eligibility criteria for public office, the minister noted that the process through which candidates emerge often deviates from these standards.

He identified the monetisation of politics, as well as the high cost of nomination forms and campaign expenses, as major barriers that shut out competent Nigerians from contesting for public office.

“Politics has become an elite affair, dominated by those with deep pockets or powerful backers,” he said, highlighting godfatherism and political sponsorship as major challenges.

Keyamo also welcomed recent electoral reforms, such as the removal of the delegate system, but noted that weak party democracy, lack of ideological clarity, and electoral violence continue to undermine credible leadership.

He therefore called for urgent reforms, including the financial autonomy of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stricter regulation of campaign financing, enhanced civic education, transparency in party primaries, and a dedicated body to prosecute electoral offences.

Keyamo also stressed the importance of character in leadership, urging Nigerians to prioritise integrity, competence, humility, and compassion.

“The path to a better Nigeria is not a mystery. It lies in making deliberate choices about who leads us, because how we select determines how we are governed,” he said.

He lauded Chief Oke as a model of principled leadership.

Reviewing Barrister Oke’s autobiography, “From The Ocean to the Bar”, former Guardian MD/Editor-in-Chief Martins Oloja described it as a guide for young readers, teaching grace, humility, gratitude, and faith.

Oloja noted Oke’s multi-faceted life as a singer, teacher, lawyer, and politician, emphasizing that leadership and achievement result from deliberate choices, discipline, and faith.

He stated that the narrative is rich with real-life encounters and reflective insights, presenting a consistent message that integrity, perseverance, and reliance on divine guidance remain critical to success.

“Through its blend of personal history and moral instruction, the book reinforces the idea that leadership and achievement are products of deliberate choices, sustained discipline, and unwavering faith,” he said.

Reflecting on his 70 years, Oke credited divine grace for his journey, describing his life as a testimony of resilience and accomplishment.

Oke said his life story reflects both challenges and triumphs across his career as a legal professional and politician. (The Nation)

•Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo faults leadership recruitment in Nigeria