Patrick Lumumba, a professor, who is also a Kenyan activist and public speaker, has said the African continent looks to Nigeria for direction and inspiration regarding the enterprising drive of the average Nigerian.
Lumumba, who was speaking at the event marking this year’s Face of Okija Cultural Festival in Anambra, called for the celebration of serial entrepreneurs like Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi who built a conglomerate of companies from scratch and employed thousands of people. He said the entrepreneur was much better than politicians who contribute little to the society.
Lumumba said companies such as Nestoil, Neconde, White Dove, B&Q and others that make up the Obijackson Group, would not have sprouted without the daring spirit of Azudialu-obiejesi.
Lumumba, once the chairman of Kenya’s anti-corruption commission, said key to Africa’s growth lies in the sustainable support for entrepreneurs through creation of enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive throughout the continent.
On democracy, he said Africa will get it right the day Nigeria gets it right, noting that Nigeria stands in a very unique position to resolve the challenges of the continent.
He further urged Africa to focus on the things that matter; things that build and grow the continent and things that impact the people.
“By February 2019, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect their leaders. And I must state that the day Nigeria gets it right, Africa gets it right,” he said.
“Young people in Nigeria and across Africa must identify what is in their best interest and actively participate in the electoral process. They must understand the significance and power of their votes. What are the policies on the table? Are we voting people for what they have done, for what they can do or for the hand-outs they offer before the elections?”
Temitayo Ayetoto
