Leaders in governance, economics, entrepreneurship, and policy are pushing for a mindset shift in all spheres of Government to drive economic change in Africa’s most populous nation.
At the Lagos edition of the ‘Development As Attitude National Dialogue Series,’ a book on leadership by Osita Ogbu, a development economist and former economic adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, experts highlighted how intelligence and patriotism could be leveraged as tools in driving economic growth.
Ogbu urged Nigerians to let go of what he described as the ‘psychology of underdevelopment’ through value-driven leadership, disciplined governance, and productive citizenship.
“Attitude shapes development outcomes. Without the right mindset, even the best policies will fail,” he said.
Ogbu explained that it is possible not to like the Government in charge of affairs in a country. However, he argued that one can like the nation but not the Government of the day, stressing patriotism at the core of his message.
Referencing his book, the economist said that a revolution is needed to drive change in Africa’s most populous black country.
“Nigeria needs an intelligent industrial policy to fully become an industrialised nation”, he said.
Ope George, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the NESG for turning a book reading into a high-impact policy conversation, saying the theme underscored the importance of leadership philosophy and citizen orientation.
“As a leader, I am personally grateful to the NESG team for hosting the book meeting and turning it into a dialogue to reach academic goals with the group working at the policy meeting,” said Sanwo-Olu.
He noted that the philosophy of leadership is about the vision, consistency and the relentless focus on the well-being of the people you serve. “It’s about having a clear plan and the courage to succeed, even when the path seems difficult.”
Tayo Aduloju, chief executive officer of NESG, linked the dialogue to the principles of Alexander Hamilton, warning that nations without open, informed discourse risk being dominated by narrow elite interests.
He outlined four imperatives for Nigeria’s development, which include: rule of law and constitutionalism, industrialisation, prudent debt management, and strong financial institutions.
At a panel session that featured prominent voices, including Babatunde Raji Fashola, former governor of Lagos State, it was pointed out that law, order, and civic discipline should be Nigeria’s most valuable assets.
Fashola argued that governance failures and not oil wealth were at the heart of poor tax mobilisation and weak democratic accountability.
The event organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in partnership with the Gates Foundation under the Nigerian Hamilton Project brought together dignitaries and policymakers across the country.
