Nigeria's economic security can only be strengthened through deliberate nation-building and critical infrastructure development, according to Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, Director-General of Tinubu Support Groups. Speaking at a citizenship lecture and breakfast meeting in Abuja, Yakasai emphasized that responsible citizenship goes beyond individual rights to include contributions to nation-building. He stressed that leadership and followership must work together to build a prosperous Nigeria. Yakasai noted that countries making sustained progress adhere to clear models and principles of nation-building.
Yakasai cited the importance of a consistent nation-building model, comparing Nigeria's development trajectory with that of Germany. He argued that Germany's post-World War II reconstruction demonstrated the importance of sustained planning and adherence to a development model. Yakasai also referenced infrastructure development in the United States, noting that the country's early investment in superhighways decades ago continues to benefit subsequent generations. He emphasized that Nigeria had conceived the idea of developing a superhighway over five decades ago but failed to turn the vision into reality.
President Bola Tinubu is now pursuing the idea of a superhighway as part of efforts to build infrastructure capable of supporting long-term economic development, according to Yakasai. He noted that Tinubu is the only leader who has started the Nigerian superhighway project, which was conceived 55 years ago. Yakasai stressed that the essence of citizenship is not limited to political participation but includes responsibility, productivity, and contributions to national development. He urged Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities as citizens of both the Earth and Nigeria.
The event's host, Nkem Eze, said the essence of citizenship extends beyond political affiliation, ethnic identity, or national boundaries. Eze described citizenship as a daily commitment to building a better society. He noted that the theme, "Celebrating Citizenship on Earth: The Nigerian Agenda," was designed to encourage Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities as citizens. Eze emphasized that citizenship is more than possessing a passport or being born in a particular country; it involves the willingness to belong, contribute, and take responsibility for the future.
Eze identified five major questions for Nigerians to address, including how to make democracy deliver development, how to turn diversity into strength, and how to protect the environment while pursuing prosperity. He stressed the need to harness the country's youthful population for economic transformation and ensure that development does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. Eze also emphasized that governance must be linked to development, while national unity should be strengthened by turning Nigeria's diversity into an asset.
Hon. Aishatu Hashidu, Publicity Secretary of the Renewed Hope Grassroots Connect, said citizenship should be understood as a responsibility to build communities and contribute to the country's future. Hashidu noted that the theme, "Celebrating Citizenship on Earth," was designed to remind Nigerians that citizenship goes beyond political affiliation, ethnicity, or place of origin. She identified governance, national unity, youth development, sustainability, and values as key areas requiring urgent attention in advancing the Nigerian agenda.
The event brought together women and youth leaders, stakeholders of the Renewed Hope movement, and members of the media for discussions on citizenship and national development. Yakasai's representative, Dr. Hassan Sadiq, was present at the event, which aimed to encourage Nigerians to take responsibility for their country's development. The discussion highlighted the need for collective action to build a prosperous Nigeria.
Key points
- Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai emphasizes the importance of a consistent nation-building model for Nigeria's economic security.
- President Bola Tinubu's superhighway plan aims to boost Nigeria's economic development.
- Citizenship involves responsibility, productivity, and contributions to national development, according to Yakasai.
