Ile-Ife: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in national development during his 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University. Titled ‘Nigeria of our Dreams’, the lecture outlined Wike’s vision for a future where robust infrastructure forms the backbone of a more equitable and prosperous nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike articulated that the dream for Nigeria cannot be realized without solid infrastructural foundations. He stressed that infrastructure encompasses more than just physical structures; it is essential for connecting destinies and unlocking national potential. Wike envisioned a Nigeria where children in rural areas have access to the same quality of education and opportunities as those in urban centers, highlighting infrastructure as the “architecture of equality.”
The minister noted that even critics of President Bola Tinubu would acknowledge improvements in the nation’s infrastructure. Wike credited Tinubu’s administration with demonstrating a commitment to overcoming the federation’s complexities through substantial infrastructural investments. He cited the rapid transformation of Abuja as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to an infrastructural revolution, acknowledging the President’s unwavering support in the process.
Wike outlined Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ as a recalibration of national priorities, focusing on sustainable development. Beyond infrastructure, he identified democracy, good governance, education, health, economic prosperity, and security as pillars for fulfilling national aspirations. He advocated for a democratic culture anchored in competence and integrity, emphasizing that public office should serve as a platform for transformation rather than personal gain.
In his remarks, Wike addressed the challenges of sustaining democracy, agreeing with Stanford Professor Larry Diamond’s view that maintaining democracy is often more difficult than establishing it. He called upon Nigerians to actively work towards building a democratic society through responsible leadership and committed citizenship, reinforcing the idea that the Nigerian dream necessitates ongoing effort and dedication to justice and equity.