Daud Olatunji
The former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Tunji Sarafa Isola, has pinpointed a severe trust deficit as a primary impediment to Nigeria’s national development.
In a compelling discourse, he called for a national shift towards cultivating trust among citizens to pave the way for substantial growth and progress.
Ambassador Isola voiced his concerns during a public discussion hosted by the Department of Mass Communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.
The event, held in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, centered on the theme “Trust and National Development in Nigeria.”
The forum also featured contributions from Elder Ahmed Raji, former Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun and Anambra States, and Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Director of TVC Entertainment.
In his remarks, Isola emphasised that the bedrock of trust-building must commence at the grassroots level.
He highlighted the necessity of fostering trust within families and communities as a foundational step towards achieving trust in local and national leadership.
Isola urged Nigerians to engage in introspection to identify areas where trust has been compromised and to prioritize national progress over personal interests.
Addressing the audience, Isola, who has also served as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, stressed the critical role of patriotism in national development.
He stressed that the collective efforts of all Nigerians, regardless of status or tribe, are essential in fostering mutual trust and driving the nation forward.
Elder Ahmed Raji echoed Isola’s sentiments, identifying flawed electoral processes and unfulfilled campaign promises as significant factors contributing to public distrust in Nigeria’s leadership.
Raji called for more transparent elections and greater accountability in governance to restore trust between leaders and the populace.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown urged young Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s future by fostering positive change within their communities.
She stressed the need for a mindset shift, encouraging personal responsibility in addressing national challenges.
Dr. Lanre Akinola, Head of the Mass Communication Department at OOU, stated the discussion’s objective of bridging the trust gap to achieve a more unified and prosperous Nigeria.
He reiterated the importance of such dialogues in driving national development and fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
The event concluded with a call to action for all Nigerians to actively participate in rebuilding trust across all levels of society.
The speakers collectively highlighted that only through a concerted effort to restore trust can Nigeria hope to achieve its developmental goals and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.
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