Nigeria’s former high commissioner to the United Kingdom, ambassador Sarafa Ishola, has called for a collective national approach to address the root causes of illiteracy and poverty, warning that Nigeria’s democracy will continue to struggle without meaningful action on these issues.
Mr Ishola, a former minister of mines and steel development and a 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial hopeful, made the call on Thursday, while speaking as chairman of the 7th anniversary lecture of Penpushing Media, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Delivering his remarks on the event’s theme, “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism,” Ishola emphasised that without tackling illiteracy and poverty, the promise of democracy in Nigeria would remain elusive.
“Democracy in Nigeria will continue to face challenges until the issues of illiteracy and poverty are adequately addressed,” he said.
Ishola argued for a deeper and more comprehensive national conversation on restructuring, noting that the topic should not be reduced to a sectional demand, but seen as a tool for national progress.
He urged Nigerians to embrace restructuring as a necessary step toward improving governance and strengthening the federal structure.
Drawing from his experience as a former elected chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government and chair of the Conference of Local Government Council Chairmen in Ogun State, Ishola underscored the importance of revitalizing local government administration.
He cited the past role of local government Public Works Departments (PWDs) in delivering community services and infrastructure and called for reforms that would restore such effectiveness.
He also noted that local government autonomy and proper fiscal allocation remain essential components of a balanced federal system.
The Penpushing Media anniversary lecture drew participants from across media, politics and civil society.
The platform has become known for its annual public discourse on national development issues.
