By Adeola Badru

As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, a sustainable development expert and founder of the Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, Michael Ale, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lay a strong foundation for sustainable generational leadership across the nation.

Ale made this call during a special Democracy Day programme aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), themed “Democracy and the Way Forward in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s political evolution, Ale expressed concern over the erosion of party-driven governance.

“In the past, political parties dictated governance and leadership choices. Today, we see a reversal where public office holders control the party structure, often to the detriment of democratic values,” he said.

He questioned the nation’s progress since the return to democracy in 1999, asking:

“We are celebrating 26 years of democracy, but where are we? Are we truly advancing as a nation?”

Ale lamented Nigeria’s diminished role as Africa’s agricultural powerhouse following the discovery of crude oil.

“We once held the title ‘Giant of Africa’ because of our agricultural productivity. Sadly, the discovery of oil has reduced our national value rather than increased it,” he noted.

Emphasizing that development is a shared responsibility between the government and the people, Ale urged citizens to fulfil their civic duties and demand accountability from leaders.

“The government must be empowered with resources to drive development, but citizens also have a duty to pay taxes and hold leaders accountable,” he said.

He further advocated for policies that create an enabling environment for business growth and improved living standards, stressing that:

“Nigerians aren’t asking for luxury. They want basic comforts and economic opportunities.”

Addressing the role of youths in nation-building, Ale expressed concern over the readiness of the younger generation for leadership.

“I recently saw the First Lady presenting leadership certificates to young people. But the real question is: are our youths prepared for leadership?”

He criticised a growing trend among youths who prioritise financial gain over long-term capacity building.

“Leadership isn’t learned in the classroom alone. It requires vision, mentorship, and discipline. Unfortunately, many young people are more focused on money than meaningful leadership development,” he remarked.

Ale concluded by urging President Tinubu to intentionally invest in leadership development, build accountable systems, and promote values-driven governance.

“We need foresight and deliberate planning for Nigeria’s future. Most importantly, we need to raise a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable development,” he said.