APC Leader Calls for National Reorientation, Patriotism and Long-Term Infrastructure Planning
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Abiodun Ajiboye, has expressed concern over what he described as Nigeria’s longstanding lack of a clear and consistent development agenda since gaining independence in 1960.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Ajiboye argued that decades of inconsistent policy implementation and abandoned development plans have contributed significantly to the country’s infrastructural and socio-economic challenges.
According to him, many of the developmental issues confronting Nigeria today can be traced to the absence of continuity in governance and the failure of successive administrations to sustain long-term national projects.
Infrastructure Development Suffered from Policy Discontinuity
Ajiboye noted that several major infrastructure projects currently being executed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were originally conceived decades ago but remained largely unimplemented by previous governments.
He stated that some of the projects date back to development plans initiated in 1983, stressing that repeated changes in government priorities hindered their execution for many years.
The APC chieftain emphasized that sustainable national development requires continuity in policy implementation regardless of political transitions.
According to him, countries that have achieved significant economic growth and infrastructure expansion often maintain long-term development strategies that extend beyond individual administrations.
Need for Stronger National Identity and Patriotism
Beyond infrastructure, Ajiboye highlighted the importance of cultivating patriotism, civic responsibility, and national unity among citizens.
He argued that Nigeria has not invested sufficiently in building a culture that promotes nationalism and active citizenship, factors he believes are critical for national progress.
The NICO Executive Secretary stressed that nation-building is not solely the responsibility of government institutions but also requires the active participation of citizens who are committed to the country’s development.
He maintained that every Nigerian should view national challenges as collective responsibilities rather than issues that concern only political leaders or government agencies.
Building a Culture of Civic Responsibility
Ajiboye called for deliberate efforts to strengthen civic education and cultural orientation programmes that encourage citizens to contribute positively to society.
According to him, fostering values such as accountability, discipline, patriotism, and community service can help address many of the social and developmental challenges facing the nation.
Experts have long argued that countries with strong civic cultures often experience greater social cohesion, improved governance outcomes, and increased public trust in institutions.
Nigeria’s Development Journey Since Independence
Since attaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has implemented several national development plans aimed at improving infrastructure, economic growth, education, healthcare, and industrialization.
However, analysts have frequently identified policy inconsistency, political instability, corruption, inadequate funding, and weak institutional frameworks as major obstacles to achieving many of these objectives.
The debate over Nigeria’s developmental direction continues to feature prominently in national discourse as policymakers, economists, and civil society groups seek solutions to accelerate growth and improve living standards.
Calls for Long-Term National Planning
Ajiboye’s remarks have reignited discussions about the importance of long-term national planning and the need for successive governments to prioritize continuity in strategic projects.
Observers believe that maintaining consistent development policies could help Nigeria maximize public investments, strengthen infrastructure delivery, and create a more predictable environment for economic growth.
As the country continues to pursue reforms in various sectors, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of combining infrastructure development with national reorientation initiatives aimed at fostering patriotism, unity, and shared responsibility among citizens.