The guest lecturer Taiwo Oyedele, delivered a lecture titled “Good Governance Reimagined: The Nigeria We Want”, calling for a shift in mindset, values, and systems.
In his lecture, Oyedele declared that true governance goes beyond elections and political rhetoric, insisting that “good governance is about how power is used, whether it uplifts or exploits, whether it serves or subjugates. It means integrity in leadership, transparency in decisions, accountability in outcomes, and inclusion in benefits”.
He argued that democracy, while important, is not synonymous with good governance. “Voting is important. But what matters most is what happens between elections. To deliver good governance, democracy must provide economic choices, reduce poverty and inequality, expand opportunity, enhance the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
“It Takes a Village Good governance is not a one-man or one-woman job. It is not the sole responsibility of the president or governor or the national assembly. It is a collective enterprise, so we must all participate”.
Oyedele emphasized that governance is a shared responsibility and not the burden of a few.
He said Government must lead with integrity, discipline, and vision, Citizens must be engaged, responsible, and demand accountability, Civil society and the media must amplify truth and keep governance issues in focus, The private sector must pay taxes, comply with laws, and shun unethical practices, Religious and traditional leaders must be moral compasses, The youth must organize, innovate, and vote for the future they desire.
Drawing attention to Nigeria’s poor tax compliance and widespread mistrust in public institutions, Oyedele lamented that only 17% of Nigerian adults believe in paying taxes voluntarily.
“In a country where citizens fix their own roads, dig their own boreholes, and secure their own homes, tax without visible benefit becomes extortion,” he noted.
He called for a renewed social contract where public funds are traceable, budgets are people-oriented, and value is delivered in return for taxes.
Oyedele outlined critical steps for building a better Nigeria “We must think big, Participate, We must be “tribe Nigeria” above everything else, Prioritise competence, Let us unite against what divides us, Rethink our stereotyped system of democracy, Redefine roles, Build systems and strong institutions, Take responsibility and Stop vote trading”.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring seasoned voices from public service, academia, and civil society.
Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, while speaking further as a panelist, criticized the undemocratic nature of internal political party structures in Nigeria.
“In party primaries, delegates are selected, manipulated, and instructed on who to vote for often in exchange for money,” he said.
Compare this to the U.S.A where civic education and long-term youth engagement produced voters who prioritized merit, leading to historic leadership outcomes like President Obama.
He dismissed the call for a brand-new constitution as a cure-all, arguing instead for improved implementation of existing laws.
“We talk about local government autonomy, but ask yourself have you ever seen the audited account of any of the 774 LGAs online? Even the teachers and health workers ran to the federal government because they didn’t trust their LGs to pay salaries”he stated.
Another panelist and legal practitioner Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, focused on the need for character and responsibility in leadership.
“Leadership begins from home. If a man cannot clear weeds in front of his house or maintain his own street, then he has no business leading a state,” he said, pointing to the importance of leading by example.
He called for a grassroots-driven approach to development, urging citizens to create and present short-, medium-, and long-term policy plans to their representatives.
“We must be realistic. Today, a Yoruba man cannot be governor in Anambra, but we can work toward a future where such merit-based unity is possible,” he added.
Engineer Tokunbo Odebunmi, retired Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the panel, emphasized active citizenship.
“The growth that we shall get is a function of our participation in governance, don’t leave this governance to political officers only, be bold enough to to speak up . The lecture gave us Prof. Wole Soyinka as a critic, will not keep quiet otherwise, if he keep quiet that means you’ve sold out . So we will continue to talk to our political leaders so that we shall get there”.
He said Governance is not only the work of political office holders. Let us take part, speak up, and not leave governance to politicians alone,” he said. “The growth we desire must come from collective responsibility.”
An entrepreneur, Mrs Bunmi Lawson added that “We have not seen a female governor or senate president yet, but it shall happen,” she said confidently, encouraging women to stay engaged .
