Oriontimes Newsroom| August 5, 2026
OSOGBO – Former presidential candidate, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria's governance philosophy, arguing that the country's challenges are rooted more in poor organisation and misplaced priorities than a lack of resources.
Speaking in an interview with Oriontimes, Ezendigbo maintained that Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural potential but has failed to translate these advantages into sustainable development.
According to him, Nigeria compares favourably with many countries in terms of resources, yet those nations have achieved greater progress because they embraced discipline, planning and productive governance.
He advocated for strategic investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare, noting that every state in the federation should be able to establish and maintain at least one world-class hospital. Such investments, he said, would not only improve access to quality healthcare but also create thousands of employment opportunities for professionals and support workers.
Ezendigbo also urged Nigerians to embrace a culture of productivity rather than viewing politics as the quickest path to wealth.
"We must stop treating politics as a business venture. Wealth should come through hard work, innovation and enterprise, not through public office," he said.
He questioned what he described as excessive government spending on luxury items, including private jets and long official convoys, while basic infrastructure and public services remain underfunded.
The former presidential candidate further called for increased local production, insisting that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture many of the goods it currently imports if the right policies and commitment are put in place.
Drawing a comparison with the Netherlands, Ezendigbo noted that although the European country has a much smaller population than many Nigerian states, it has become a major agricultural exporter through efficient planning and modern farming techniques.
He criticised Nigeria's continued reliance on open grazing, arguing that the livestock sector should be modernised through ranching and proper animal management systems capable of increasing productivity while reducing conflicts.
Reflecting on Nigeria's post-independence journey, Ezendigbo expressed concern that politics has increasingly become commercialised, with public service often overshadowed by personal interests.
He stressed that the country's future depends on visionary leadership, prudent management of public resources and policies that prioritise economic production, industrial growth, employment creation and national development.
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