Nigeria Must Harness Regional Strengths to Drive Development — Amadi

A nongovernmental organisation - The Think Tank for Sustainable Development (TTTSD) - has called for a new approach in managing Nigeria’s diversity. The TTTSD said this can be done through strengthened regional development initiatives that leverage the comparative advantages of each region. Speaking at the inaugural webinar organized by the Think Tank, the keynote speaker Dr. SAM AMADI advocated a development model that allows Nigeria’s regions to grow according to their peculiar strengths and priorities. Dr AMADI argued that empowering regions to innovate and utilize their unique resources would stimulate national growth and improve socio-economic outcomes. He urged Nigeria to draw lessons from countries such as China, which allowed its vast and diverse regions to develop through innovation and resourcefulness, thereby contributing to national economic growth. He stressed that meaningful socio-economic and sustainable development in Nigeria would depend largely on government’s respect for the social contract between the state and citizens, restoration of public trust, promotion of social justice, and the entrenchment of ethical governance. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the event, retired General CHRIS ABUTU GARBA, said the conversation was coming at a crucial period when Nigeria faces growing security and developmental challenges. He emphasized that sustained policy dialogue of this nature could generate practical solutions and help guide citizens in making informed choices during upcoming elections.