Abeokuta, Ogun State – The immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, has declared that restructuring Nigeria should no longer be seen as a regional or sectional agenda but as a critical national rebirth strategy essential for the country’s progress.
Ambassador Ishola made this assertion in Abeokuta while chairing the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media, a leading online news platform. The event, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, attracted key stakeholders, media professionals, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing national issues.
Ishola, a former Minister and 2027 Ogun governorship aspirant, argued that Nigeria’s current federal structure exists more in theory than in practice. “The federalism we operate today neither grants real autonomy to the federating units nor stimulates the competitive development needed to drive national growth,” he stated.
He emphasised that restructuring must go beyond mere devolution of powers. “True federalism is about responsible governance, institutional clarity, fiscal equity, and above all, citizen-driven accountability,” he noted.
The former envoy also stressed the need for a shift in citizens’ mindset as part of the restructuring process. According to him, Nigerians must learn to appreciate the efforts of public servants, even when imperfect. “Part of national restructuring is in how we treat our leaders. Until we begin to sincerely recognise and value the contributions of those who serve, we will continue to discourage well-meaning and competent individuals from stepping forward,” he said.
He commended Penpushing Media for fostering meaningful dialogue on national issues and urged the platform to sustain and expand its initiative, describing it as a valuable national asset.
Ezekwesili Blasts Constitutional Amendment as ‘Costly Distraction’
Adding to the discourse, former Minister of Education and keynote speaker, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, delivered a sharp critique of Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment process, labelling it an ineffective and expensive diversion.
“The current constitutional amendment cannot solve the deep-rooted issues stifling Nigeria’s growth. It is a charade—an expensive one—and frankly, a sheer waste of resources,” Ezekwesili declared.
She drew a stark analogy, stating, “When an engineer confirms that a building’s foundation is structurally defective, you don’t start patching walls—you take the whole building down. That’s the situation with Nigeria’s current structure. It is fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed with tweaks.”
According to her, “Nation-building cannot thrive on cosmetic changes. The time has come for Nigeria to embrace the demand for a brand-new constitution. This is no longer a political debate—it is a matter of life and death.”
The event served as a clarion call for national introspection, bold reforms, and sustained civic engagement. Both speakers agreed that Nigeria’s path to progress hinges on sincerity, structural realignment, and an empowered, enlightened citizenry.
