Nigeria needs leaders who respect public office – Tunde Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare, founder and chairman of the Citadel School of Government (CSG), delivered a powerful message during the graduation ceremony of the CSG's pioneer students at the institution’s premises in Oregun, Lagos, on Saturday. His speech emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian leaders who respect public office and prioritize the common good over personal gain. Bakare expressed his hope that Nigeria will one day become a country that truly serves its citizens, rather than being driven by self-interest and corruption. The graduates completed a nine-month program titled "Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft," which commenced on September 6, 2025. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the course aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing Nigerian governance today. These include insecurity, economic instability, deteriorating infrastructure, weak institutions, and a deepening crisis of trust between citizens and their leaders. Bakare, who also serves as the overseeing pastor of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), expressed confidence that a Nigeria capable of working effectively for its people will emerge in his lifetime. He highlighted the upcoming electoral cycle as a critical moment for the emergence of new leaders at all levels of government. Existing leaders, he noted, face mounting pressures from increasingly complex societal demands. Speaking directly to the graduates, Bakare described them as representatives of a new generation of leaders who could disrupt cycles of incompetence and corruption. He stressed that they were leaving with more than just academic credentials, they were departing with a comprehensive framework for understanding governance that goes beyond partisan politics, ethnic divisions, and regional interests. This approach, he argued, enables them to view issues from a broader perspective and act accordingly. Bakare underscored that the quality of a nation is directly tied to the character of its leaders. He called on the graduates to embrace service as their primary purpose, emphasizing that leadership should be rooted in integrity, competence, and humility. He warned against the temptation to use public office for personal advancement, reminding them that the people they serve are not mere tools for their success but the very reason for their existence. The executive director of the CSG, Mr. Omoaholo Omoakhalen, noted that the school produced 69 pioneering graduates. He encouraged them to live up to the expectations placed on them and contribute to building a functioning Nigeria. In a separate message, Prof. Sunday Adebisi, executive director of the Lagos Business School, stated that the nation's future hinges on the caliber of its leaders. He called for improved governance and leadership capabilities that can drive national progress through effective resource management and implementation. Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, vice chancellor of Caleb University, echoed the demand for a redefinition of leadership in Nigeria. He argued that leadership must be viewed as a duty and responsibility rather than a status symbol. His keynote address focused on the importance of institutional excellence and the role of education in shaping ethical and competent leaders. As the graduates step forward into roles of influence, the challenge lies in translating ideals into action. Their training has prepared them to engage with the complexities of Nigerian society, yet the path ahead requires sustained effort, accountability, and a commitment to public service. The nation watches with anticipation, hoping that these emerging leaders will fulfill the promise of a Nigeria that works for all its citizens.