Opadokun Calls for Nigeria to Address Governance Issues

Pa Ayo Opadokun, a pro-democracy activist and elder statesman, stated that Nigeria must "turn a new leaf" to tackle poverty, corruption, and poor governance during his 80th birthday celebrations. Reflecting on his life, he noted his survival through years of activism, including two years in Kuje Prison during the military regime of Sani Abacha, where he celebrated his 50th birthday.

Opadokun criticized the detrimental effects of prolonged military rule on Nigeria's political and economic development, attributing the country's challenges to decades of inconsistent economic policies and corruption. He lamented that Nigeria, once comparable to countries like Singapore in the 1960s, has failed to progress despite significant oil revenues.

However, he acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's attempts to dismantle military-era structures, recognizing Tinubu's involvement in the pro-democracy struggle. Opadokun's reflections underscore the urgent need for reforms to realize Nigeria's potential.