Dogara charges Nigerians on unity, innovation

Richard Elesho

For Nigeria to attain and retain global relevance, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called on citizens across the board to be united and devise homegrown solutions to the country’s problems.

Dogara gave the charge during a recent special public lecture to commemorate Founders’ Day at the Federal University, Lokoja.
Entitled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy,” he emphasised the strength in unity.

Dogara, who is also a lawyer, enjoined the graduands to take advantage of their knowledge to solve Nigeria’s problems, urging them to develop a global mindset with local relevance.

“Think globally but act locally. While embracing international best practices, never forget your roots. The solutions to Africa’s problems must be African-led, though globally informed.

“Whether you become engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, or public servants, always ask: How can I apply global knowledge to solve local problems?”

He also tasked them to seek innovation and entrepreneurship, embrace lifelong learning, commit to ethical leadership, and be good stewards of the university.

Dogara commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he stressed has given hope to students whose educational dreams would have been cut short for lack of funds.

“Education remains our most powerful weapon against poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment. It is the idea of planting seeds of hope, creating pathways to opportunity, and building a place where talents are refined and human potential is unlocked.

“NELFUND — a programme designed to remove financial barriers to higher education for indigent Nigerian students with interest-free loans — has disbursed N99.5 billion to fund tuition and upkeep allowances.

“As we speak, and as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President has prioritised inclusivity and equity in access to education. We are witnessing the gradual dismantling of systemic barriers, particularly for marginalised groups such as women and persons with disabilities. No one doubts Mr. President’s commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to quality education.

“To those who have often wondered why I promote President Tinubu’s education policies — you have found one of the answers. Why would any sensible person who has benefited immensely from education do otherwise?”