By Chief Joseph Oke, the immediate past Chairman of Leventis Group on Tuesday said Nigeria as a country is long over due for restructuring in order for the union to continue for thousands of years.
He made this known in his keynote address at the annual Discovery Lecture series of Lagos State University titled, “Can Nigeria Survive Another Century As A Corporate Entity?”
Chief Oke stated that the union of Nigerians can continue but the action or inaction of the government as well as restructuring has it’s roles to play in determining it.
Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed was Chairman of the event, he was able represented. The Chief Host of the event, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh who delivered the speech of the Governor.
The host, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun led the team of the University Management to another round of lecture series which is aimed at educating the staff and students.
Chief Oke highlighted the need for both Federal and State Government to give equal right to the thrid tier of government, the Local Government, which he described as the tier closest to the grassroots.
He said the present structure is lopsided as only the first two have marginalised the last tier.
“The Local Government Council, which is the third tier and closest to the grassroots, is a marginalised government. The interest of all minority groups and the issue of derivation must also be addressed. The federation must be restructured to devolve more powers to the states, which must include policing, education, health, road network and security,” he said.
Chief Oke also emphasised the need to diversify from petroleum to agro-based industries and other non-oil markets. He also advised that the government should be consistent with policies which should be geared towards improving the lives of the citizens while corruption must also be eliminated.
