Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-29 18:24:04
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, recently emphasized the pressing need for restructuring in Nigeria to address the current challenges facing the nation. Speaking at the Punch Nigeria Ltd 50th Anniversary Lecture titled “Recovering the Narrative” at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Soyinka highlighted the importance of implementing structural changes to ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
In his lecture, Soyinka emphasized that Nigerians should not have to endure endless hardship to experience a better quality of life. He noted that restructuring is essential for the sustainable development of the nation and called out the reluctance of the country’s leaders to embrace this necessary change.
Soyinka urged the leaders of Nigeria to stop taking the citizens for granted and emphasized the need for decentralization to bring the government closer to the people. He stressed that restructuring is crucial for improving basic necessities like food production and access to essential goods. According to Soyinka, palliatives are only temporary solutions and restructuring is vital for long-term development.
The renowned author and activist highlighted the need for genuine action on restructuring, pointing out that previous conferences on the topic had failed to yield positive results. Soyinka insisted that the government must prioritize restoring dignity and providing three square meals a day for the people.
Soyinka also addressed the role of media in transforming society, emphasizing the importance of using language and media positively to bring about positive change. He called for the free flow of information without undue censorship to ensure transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, Soyinka emphasized the importance of a strong justice system and condemned the brutal killings of media practitioners without receiving justice. He underscored the significance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions to uphold justice and rule of law in the country.
In her opening remarks, Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Ltd, described the event as a call to action to recover the narrative and shape a future that all Nigerians can be proud of. Emuwa expressed gratitude to the organization’s partners and audiences for their support over the past 50 years and highlighted the significant role of the media in influencing positive change and upholding democratic values.
The anniversary event, held in memory of Chief James Aboderin, the founding Chairman of the newspaper, brought together media executives, industry leaders, academics, and other dignitaries to reflect on the past achievements and future aspirations of the publication. Emuwa called on all stakeholders to join hands with Punch in their mission to continue championing the cause of the people and upholding the values of democracy in the years to come.
Overall, the messages conveyed by Professor Wole Soyinka and Angela Emuwa underscore the importance of restructuring, media responsibility, and justice in building a better future for Nigeria. The event served as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and commitment to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous society for all Nigerians.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
