“Nigeria will not move well If the north does not move well” – Cardinal Onaiyekan

Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has stated, “If the north does not progress, Nigeria cannot progress.” He made this statement during a meeting with the League of Northern Democrats, emphasizing the urgent need for the northern elite to tackle pressing issues such as poverty and insecurity in the region.....Read Full Article>>

He also called for collaborative efforts across regions and faiths to improve governance and foster stability in the country. He said, “Let’s be honest: if the north does not progress, Nigeria cannot progress. The same applies at the continental level—if Nigeria does not thrive, Africa cannot thrive.

“We must acknowledge that the current state of northern Nigeria is not something to be proud of. In terms of good governance and living standards, our record is dismal. If Nigeria is struggling, the north is at the heart of that struggle.

“When a group of northern democrats comes together to address these issues and explore why progress is lacking, we can expect positive change. This coalition of elite northern democrats should engage with political leaders, especially since many of you have valuable experience in government.

“You can challenge them to reflect on their surroundings: are they proud of what they see? There are countless out-of-school children, and it’s not acceptable to blame poverty for inaction. If we continue to embrace poverty, the problems will persist.

“We operate within a federal system where resources are distributed, so what has gone wrong?

“No region should be left behind. This means that the entire nation should be invested in your initiatives, if only for what is often termed enlightened self-interest.”