The Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has cautioned that Nigeria “stands at a crossroads” and risks wasting its immense potential unless urgent political and economic reforms are undertaken to restore the country’s forward momentum.
He made the comments on Sunday in Lagos while chairing the 28th Zik Prize in Leadership Awards. The ceremony, organised by the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PRAC), recognises individuals who have demonstrated excellence in public service, governance, humanitarian work, and business leadership, in line with the ideals of Nigeria’s first president, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
At this year’s awards, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah and Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke were recognised for outstanding governance, while Kwara State First Lady, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, received accolades for humanitarian leadership.
Business leaders were also celebrated: Dame Winifred Akpani, founder and CEO of Northwest Petroleum and Gas Ltd, was honoured for professional leadership, while Mr. Bolaji Balogun, CEO of Chapel Hills Denham, received the entrepreneurial leadership award. The late Prof. Jubril Aminu, former PRAC Board Chairman, was recognised posthumously.
Prof. Azinge urged a “renaissance of ethical, effective, and inclusive leadership” to drive diversification through major investments in gas, renewable energy, agro-industrial hubs, digital technology, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. On governance, he stressed the need to shift from transactional to transformational leadership, advocating for constitutional amendments that would devolve more powers to states, strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, and create opportunities for youth participation in leadership.
He further highlighted the importance of national healing, particularly for the South-East, and called for reforms in education, increased healthcare funding, community policing, and the adoption of AI-driven security solutions.
Reflecting on Dr. Azikiwe’s legacy, the Asagba said the awards go beyond recognition they represent a commitment to Pan-Africanism, intellectual excellence, and nation-building. Senator Adeleke, represented by his deputy Kola Adewusi, dedicated his award “to the glory of God and the good people of Osun State,” underscoring the values of service, transparency, and innovation. Dame Akpani pledged to continue serving with integrity, while Balogun described receiving an award previously held by his late father, Otunba Sunbomi Balogun, as a rare honour.
The family of the late Emeka Obasi, founder of PRAC, was also commended for advancing a vision of leadership rooted in unity and national progress.
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