Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, emphasized the need for decentralization in Nigeria during the PUNCH Newspapers’ 50th-anniversary lecture held at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Soyinka argued that decentralization is crucial for Nigerians to fully enjoy the benefits of their country.
In his lecture titled ‘Recovering the Narrative’, Soyinka advocated for decentralization as a solution to the country’s challenges, stating that governance needs to be brought closer to the people.
He criticized politicians who change their stance on restructuring once they assume power, emphasizing the importance of leaders being sincere in their efforts to address the nation’s issues.
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Soyinka highlighted the burden of security and crime across the nation, stressing the necessity of decentralization to enable productivity to emerge from citizens rather than being seen as a mere government handout.
He addressed concerns about the fear of collapse or break-up, suggesting that if the nation is informally breaking up, it should be openly acknowledged and addressed.
Furthermore, Soyinka expressed his readiness to accept the consequences of decentralization if it leads to restoring dignity to citizens and ensuring their well-being.
He concluded with a poignant statement, “Let nations die, that humanity may live,” underscoring the need for bold and decisive action to address Nigeria’s challenges.
