—My life a testimony of God’s grace, Oke

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the country’s governance challenges stem from a flawed leadership recruitment system.

Keyamo, speaking in Akure, Ondo State capital, at a public lecture marking the 70th birthday of chieftain Olusola Oke, emphasized that the process of selecting leaders is critical to national development.

He noted that despite Nigeria’s resources, poor leadership selection has hindered progress, leading to weak institutions, corruption, poverty, and insecurity.

The Minister identified the monetization of politics, godfatherism, and weak internal party democracy as major challenges.

Keyamo, however, lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, poor leadership selection has continued to hinder the country’s progress, maintaining that Nigeria’s problem largely stems from a failure of leadership.

According to him, “when merit is sacrificed for money, ethnicity and patronage, the consequences are evident in weak institutions, corruption, poverty and insecurity.

“When leadership positions are treated as rewards for loyalty rather than responsibilities entrusted to competent individuals, the entire system suffers.

He noted that although the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 provides guidelines for eligibility into public office, including Section 65 for legislative positions, the actual process of candidate emergence often deviates from these provisions.

While identifying the monetisation of politics as a major challenge, keyamo noted that the rising cost of nomination forms and campaigns has excluded many capable Nigerians from participating in the electoral process.

“Participation has become an elite affair, dominated by those with deep pockets or powerful backers,” he added.

While acknowledging recent electoral reforms, including the removal of the delegate system, Keyamo described the development as a step towards reducing manipulation within party structures.

The Minister further identified weak internal party democracy, lack of ideological clarity and electoral violence as factors undermining credible leadership recruitment, noting that manipulated primaries and the use of thugs discourage credible aspirants.

He called for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, stressing the need for its financial autonomy and independence.

Keyamo also advocated stricter regulation of campaign financing, improved civic education and transparency in party primaries, as well as the establishment of a body to prosecute electoral offences.

Beyond structural reforms, he stressed the importance of character in leadership, urging Nigerians to prioritise integrity, competence, humility and compassion when choosing leaders.

He noted that such values were exemplified by Olusola Oke, whose 70th birthday formed the backdrop of the lecture, describing him as a model of principled leadership in both law and politics.

According to him ” The path to a better Nigeria is not a mystery. It lies in making deliberate choices about who leads us, because how we select determines how we are governed.

While reviewing Oke’s autobiography, titled “From The Ocean to the Bar” former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, said the book reflects a life shaped by purpose, endurance and faith.

Oloja noted that the work revealed Oke’s multi-dimensional life as a singer, teacher, lawyer and politician, while offering lessons on grace, humility, gratitude and the role of God in one’s calling.

He added that the book underscores the author’s spirituality, gratitude and acknowledgement of those who influenced his journey, including late former governor Olusegun Agagu.

Oloja said that the narrative is rich with real-life encounters and reflective insights, presenting a consistent message that integrity, perseverance, and reliance on divine guidance remain critical to success.

“Through its blend of personal history and moral instruction, the book reinforces the idea that leadership and achievement are products of deliberate choices, sustained discipline, and unwavering faith”

Oke in his remarks, attributed his life at 70 to the grace of God, describing it as a journey of challenges and accomplishments.

He said that “At 70, I have seen a lot, both in the legal profession and in politics. It has been a journey of challenges, but also of remarkable accomplishments,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other political leaders for their support over the years.

Oke expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current challenges would soon be overcome, while calling on government at all levels to intensify efforts at reducing poverty and improving citizens’ welfare.

He described his 70th birthday as a call to rededicate himself to the service of humanity and national development.