The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, has called for enhanced collaboration between public policymakers and private sector leaders to accelerate Nigeria's development.
Speaking on Thursday in Lagos as Chairman of the occasion at the David Oladipo Leadership Roundtable and the launch of the book “The Real Leader”, Senator Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, emphasized the urgent need for a new leadership compact to propel national progress.
“The future of Nigeria demands a new leadership compact — one that bridges the divide between public and private sector leadership,” Abiru stated. “We must build a coalition of competence, where the government provides an enabling environment and long-term vision, while the private sector drives innovation, investment, and execution.”
He further emphasized that meaningful development occurs when key stakeholders actively collaborate.
“True development happens when we collaborate with practitioners; when legislators listen to industry leaders and communities; when civil servants see themselves as nation-builders, not gatekeepers; and when private sector leaders embrace a sense of national responsibility beyond profit,” Abiru added.
“Whether we are talking about solving energy poverty, transforming agriculture, reforming education, or building smart infrastructure, we need synergy, not silos.” Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the keynote speaker at the event, echoed the sentiment, stressing that leadership is at the core of any nation's progress or decline. He urged Nigerians to revive the values that once defined the nation’s greatness.
The convener of the event, Dr. David Oladipupo, who marked his 50th birthday with the book launch, also highlighted the importance of leadership reform.
“With better leadership across the board, we have the assurance of better outcomes,” he said. “We are here to synergize and find ways to bring Nigeria — and Africa — out of the woods, by closing the leadership gap that has hindered our progress. This is our country; our salvation lies in our hands, not in the hands of development partners, multilateral organizations, or international financial institutions.”
The event gathered thought leaders, policymakers, business executives, academia, youth leaders, and civil society advocates committed to fostering partnerships, shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria through responsible and visionary leadership.
