Former minister of education and founder of Human Capital Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called on the Nigerian media to take a front-row role in championing the demand for a new constitution.
Dr Ezekwesili made the call on Thursday while delivering a keynote speech titled “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism” at the seventh Penpushing Media anniversary and annual lecture held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The renowned public policy expert described the current constitution as fundamentally flawed and incapable of solving the country’s challenges.
She said only a people-driven constitution, forged through a national constitutional conference and approved via a referendum, can guarantee progress, equity and unity.
“The media should take the front seat and be at the vanguard of the demand for a new constitution. We must convene a constitutional conference to allow honest national conversations that will lead to a document truly reflective of the people’s will,” she said.
Citing Kenya’s post-conflict reforms, Ezekwesili explained that constitutional restructuring, particularly one anchored on fiscal federalism would foster regional autonomy, enhance productivity and reduce agitations for secession.
She also criticised the ongoing constitutional amendment efforts by the National Assembly, describing it as a “charade” and “a waste of public resources.”
“The current amendment process cannot fix anything. It’s like patching a building with a faulty foundation. The right solution is to bring it down and rebuild,” she said.
“What we have is a criminal enterprise gang hijacking politics, excluding the public, and slicing governance for selfish interests.”
Ezekwesili, who attended the event with her husband, said the failure to implement true federalism continues to fuel insecurity, poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.
She argued that there is a direct link between Africa’s poor governance and its struggling economies, adding that without reforming the quality of political leadership, the continent’s prosperity would remain stunted.
Earlier, Penpushing Media founder Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji welcomed guests to the event, noting that the annual lecture was established to drive national discourse and spotlight pressing issues in Nigeria.
He said Penpushing Media, the first online news platform based in Abeokuta, the birthplace of Nigerian journalism in 1859, continues to grow through impactful reporting and philanthropic initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity.
Mr Kayode-Adedeji noted that the platform has trained numerous mass communication undergraduates and annually awards the best graduating students in the field across tertiary institutions.
Prominent figures who gave goodwill messages at the event included the chairman if the editorial board Funke Fadugba, the chairperson of the planning committee Abiola Afolabi, former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina, retired Justice Deinde Soremi, Ronke Ogunremi, Maureen Chigbo and Joju Fadairo.
The panel session featured distinguished voices such as former director of NBC Sir Eddy Aina, Ogun State commissioner for women affairs Adijat Adeleye, director of the Institute of Continuing Education, UNILAG, Prof Abigail Ndisika and retired commissioner of police Fatai Owoseni.
Planning committee members included Dr Abiola Afolabi (Chairperson), Sina Adefolahan (Secretary), Seun Sodiya, Gbenga Onayiga, Remmy Hazzan, Toyin Ogunbomehin and Dr Adewunmi Alayaki.
Penpushing Media’s editorial board includes Dimeji Adedeji, Funke Fadugba, Sir Eddy Aina, Barr. Benjamin Ogunmodede, Yemisi Fadairo and Femi Shodunke.
