The Truth Behind Nigeria's 'Stagnancy' -- Bisi Akande

Politician Bisi Akande discusses Nigeria’s perceived underdevelopment and the faults behind it.
According to the former APC chairman, this is a result of the failure of successive governments not implementing a development plan for the nation.
Akande shared these views during a lecture held in Akure, Ondo State, in honour of Reuben Fasoranti.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Bisi Akande, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s underdevelopment, attributing it to the failure of successive governments to implement development plans for crucial sectors of the economy.

Akande shared these views during a lecture held in Akure, Ondo State, in honour of Reuben Fasoranti.

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The former governor of Osun State went on to assure Nigerians that President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is proposing a comprehensive development plan spanning 20 to 50 years, with the intention of eradicating underdevelopment in the country.

Akande emphasized the absence of coherent planning as a significant factor contributing to the country’s overall stagnation.

He lamented the lack of foresight and the prevalence of short-term thinking, noting that Nigeria’s current state of affairs should not come as a surprise given this approach.

He stated, “We fail to plan, and yet, we are surprised that we fail in almost all sectors as we are all lapsing into generations of plan-less hypocrites.” Akande reminisced about a time when Nigeria implemented five-year and seven-year capital development plans, underscoring the contrast with the present situation where planning extends only as far as the next election cycle.

The Truth Behind Nigeria's Stagnancy -- Bisi Akande — Bisi Akande

Akande expressed gratitude that Nigerians have elected a leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has long-term planning at the forefront of his agenda. He acknowledged Tinubu’s close association with Reuben Fasoranti and highlighted that Tinubu upholds the legacy of planning and integrity established by Obafemi Awolowo.

Given this, Akande deemed it appropriate and necessary to expect President Tinubu to present a master plan for Nigeria spanning 20 or 50 years, which would transform the nation into a prosperous and distinguished entity.

The remarks made by Bisi Akande shed light on the critical issue of underdevelopment in Nigeria and emphasize the urgent need for long-term development plans.

The country’s progress and future prospects rely heavily on the implementation of comprehensive strategies that address the challenges faced by various sectors of the economy.