I n a poignant address at the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture 2024, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, delivered a scathing critique of Nigerian politicians. Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, Bakare argued that many politicians are living comfortably while demanding significant sacrifices from ordinary citizens enduring economic hardship.
The memorial lecture, organized by the Wilson & Badejo Foundation, honored the late Wilson Badejo, former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, and his wife, Yinka. Bakare's keynote speech, titled “Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue: Nurturing Understanding in a Culturally and Socially Diverse Nation,” highlighted the urgent need for constructive dialogue over confrontation in addressing national issues.
Bakare underscored that genuine dialogue requires openness, effective communication, and empathy. He emphasized, “Empathy is a bedrock of dialogue. It requires us to see beyond our own perspective and seek to comprehend the experiences of others. An empathetic leader does not feed fat while asking the people to tighten their belts.”
The cleric also reflected on the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, noting that hunger and economic struggle transcend religious, tribal, and political boundaries. “Hunger is a unifier,” Bakare said. “It does not discriminate based on religion, tribe, or political affiliation. Citizens across the nation are reacting to these conditions, driven by a common plight.”
Bakare expressed skepticism about the ideological differences between the major political parties in Nigeria, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are fundamentally similar. He pointed to the political career of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki as evidence, highlighting Obaseki’s switch from APC to PDP while maintaining his electoral success.
The lecture also featured remarks from Debola Deji-Kurunmi, an author and Public Policy Advisor, who called for unity in diversity. She posed a vision of a nation where collective heritage is valued above individual differences, urging attendees to contribute positively from their respective spheres of influence.
The event also included the presentation of the Stewardship Excellence Award to Rev. Peter Ameadaji, Managing Partner of PAC Solicitors, and awarded scholarships to 52 students from various universities.
The gathering was attended by prominent figures including Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church; Rev. Akin Akeju, Chairman of the Wilson & Badejo Foundation; and Femi Badejo, Vice Chairman of the foundation.
0 Comments