Edo Hosts Influential Dialogue on Education and Leadership: African Leaders Call for Independent Progress”

At the third edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue held in Benin City, African leaders convened to discuss functional education and its crucial role in the continent’s growth and development. The event, themed “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development,” took place at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation on Thursday 13th June 2024.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, received accolades for his administration’s substantial investments in education. He emphasized the timeliness of this year’s theme, noting that Africa’s youth are eager for opportunities to reach their full potential. Obaseki highlighted the necessity of effective education and political leadership for societal growth and shared his administration’s success in advancing public education in Edo State. He pointed out that despite the dire stories of youth risking their lives through irregular migration, sustainable investment in education has put Edo on a progressive path. He underscored that Africa’s development hinges on a functional educational system that leverages technology and emphasizes digital skills. “The theme for this year’s democracy dialogue is apt, as young ones are yearning for opportunities to realize their full potential,” Obaseki remarked.

The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta; Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; former Nigerian Vice President, Namadi Sambo; former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi; Edo State First Lady, Dr. Betsy Obaseki; Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Marvelous Godwins; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Sen. Osariemen Osunbor; former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Ogiadomhen; Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr Osarodion Ogie; Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; representatives of the Benin Royal Palace, and other traditional institutions.

Opening the proceedings, Governor Obaseki remarked that Africa is at a crossroads, blessed with a young population hungry for success. He reiterated the importance of the conference’s theme, which places responsibility on African political leaders to foster growth through education. “No nation will be complete without women’s participation in nation-building, therefore all hands must be on deck to support women’s aspirations in all spheres of politics and governance,” he added.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan thanked the Edo State Government for hosting the event and commended the keynote speakers for enlightening African leaders on how to drive the continent’s development. He encouraged leaders to improve the educational system for the benefit of African children. “I urge our leaders to put in their best in improving our educational system for the benefit of African children,” Jonathan stated.

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir, praised Governor Obaseki for making Edo an exemplary state in educational reforms. Despite the ongoing challenge of out-of-school children, the federal government’s efforts have successfully returned 2 million children to school. “The figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria remains a challenge, but the Federal Government has succeeded in returning 2 million children back to school,” he noted.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lauded Jonathan for his sacrifice in maintaining Nigeria’s unity and stressed that free and fair elections are essential for correcting national issues. “Free and fair election is all Nigeria needs to correct the errors facing Nigeria as a nation,” Obi said. He identified education as the fundamental ingredient for Nigeria’s development.

Keynote Speaker Prof. Olubayi Olubayi of Cavendish University, Uganda, called on African leaders to ensure the education of all African children. He criticized the tendency of African leaders to follow external directives, advocating for independent decision-making to drive the continent’s progress. “Africa is not making enough progress because the leaders do what other countries tell them to do,” Olubayi stated. “If Africa is to make any progress, what we must do is not what other countries tell us to do.”

The event concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to enhance education and political leadership across Africa, emphasizing that these elements are key to the continent’s future success.