Dr. Osaren Emokpae, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF), has pointed out that Nigeria has exhibited a persistent lack of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness since the amalgamation of its North and South regions.
Emokpae further noted that this situation deteriorated even further due to military interventions.
He said: ‘We must not be quiet, we must shout and talk about it, by hiding and sitting down watching, we are creating an environment where we allow the strong to oppress the weak, we must all speak out.’
These remarks were made by Emokpae during a press briefing convened to unveil the agenda for the 16th Annual Lecture of the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF) in 2023. The lecture, titled ‘Negotiating a Fairer Nigeria,’ is slated to take place on August 16th, 2023, in Lagos.
He commented on how the prevailing condition of the country made the chosen lecture theme imperative.
Heading the event as chairman will be Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), while Rev. Sam Aboyeji, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, is the Father of the day.
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Serving as both the Founder of ED-JOHN Institute of Management and Technology and the keynote speaker, Emokpae will deliver the keynote address. Distinguished individuals gracing the occasion as Special Guests of Honour include Former Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina; Mr. John Obaro, the Founder of SystemSpecs; and Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, the Chief Executive of LAPO Group, among other notable figures.
However, Emokpae hammered on why Nigerians should forge unity in their approach to income redistribution. He highlighted the importance of creating a structure where wealth isn’t solely concentrated among the affluent but also trickles down to those who are not well-off financially.
His words: ‘I found that if you want peace you must be ready for war, sometimes you need to fight for your right.’
‘Nigeria has been an unfair country lacking in equity and inclusiveness, right from the amalgamation of the North and the South of Nigeria, and became worse with military intervention.’
‘We have a new government led by President Tinubu, who was one of the leaders of NADECO that sought for a country of justice and fairness. Do his recent pronouncements, recycling of old politicians as ministers; as well as his insensitivity in running a Muslim-Muslim Presidency reflect the NADECO worldview that can stand the test of a fair and just Nigeria? That explains why the topic for WYBF 2023 lecture will be on the theme,’ he said.
The inception of the foundation took place during the 60th birthday celebration of its founder, the late former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wilson Badejo.
The foundation’s origin was rooted in a vision to bring happiness to individuals, particularly those in the marginalised and underprivileged sectors of society, along with those adversely affected by the nation’s economic balance.
Of particular note was Badejo’s deep-seated commitment to youth, particularly those who possessed abundant vitality but directed it toward nonproductive pursuits.