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By Elizabeth Uwandu

Baroness Lynda Chalker, former Foreign Minister, United Kingdom Foreign Officer , guest speaker at a lecture organised by Lagos State University, LASU Ojo said that Africa and indeed Nigeria would continue to grope in state of underdevelopment if the issue of bad leadership, corruption were not urgently addressed.

The UK parliamentarian at her presentation tagged, “ Africa in a competitive world: business and investment,” that had the presence of Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, LASU Vice Chancellor; Governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan, Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Hon. . Abike Dabiri-Erewa , chairman of the occasion and Prof. Peter Okebukola etc. said that Nigeria, including the whole of Africa were unable to enjoy the benefits of competitiveness that translated to a country’s overall prosperity in the form of economic performance; government efficiency( reducing red tape); business efficiency and growth; including infrastructure developments and education due to poor leadership and corruption among other factors due to the problem selfish negative leadership

The scholar said that Nigeria needed to get it right in the areas: leadership; education; and corruption for there to be competitiveness in development and business. Throughout my long career working across Africa and in Nigeria, I have come to realise that Nigeria does not need strong people , it needs strong institutions, wise and creative leaders. The capacity to offer the Nigerian people greater opportunities and better living conditions will depend on how successful it is at increasing competitive, controlling corruption and smartening up its offer to both Nigerians and foreign investors.

“ This can only be achieved by reinforcing education, creating a stronger ecosystem where the private sector can develop on the basis effective institutional coordination , sound infrastructure, well-educated human capital , efficient markets, and modern technological advancement.” said Chalker.

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