Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has restated that restructuring is the only panacea to solving the structural imbalances in Nigeria, saying that the current arrangement that centralizes huge power solely to the Federal Government is not too good for a country like Nigeria.
Iba Adams restated this position, while speaking at the 2024 Edition of Oya Festival, which took place in Ira, Kwara State, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to go back to regionalism where each of the regions would be allowed to develop at their own pace.
The Yoruba generalissimo insisted that the idea of having a more powerful, centralist government is a true reflection of statism, saying that there was need to restructure Nigeria by embracing regionalism as the best option to ensure good living standard and quality life for the citizens.
This was just as Iba Adams cited the examples of Senegal and Gambia that were doing well under true Federalism, fashioned for themselves as multi-regional countries, urging the Executive and Legislative arms of government to review the Nigerian constitution.
“Restructuring remains the only alternative for Nigeria to move forward. Let us adopt regionalism as a better option that would allow the federating units to develop at their own pace.
“Senegal is a country with 14 regions and a population of about 17 million people. The country has succeeded in sustaining its socio- economic growth and development with uninterrupted power supply and effective security.
“In Senegal, power is stable 24 hours daily. The people enjoy the quality of life and they are secured and safe moving across the country without any security breach or threat.
“The road and other infrastructures in Senegal remain one of the best in African countries.
“Also in Gambia, the government is very sensitive to the plights of the citizens.Gambia with a population of two million people live comfortably in their country.
“Gambia has six regions and they sustain the economy of the country through tax and tourism and there is effective security in the country,” the Yoruba generalissimo stated.
“As much as we want good living standard and quality life here in Nigeria, there is a need for us to restructure Nigeria by embracing regionalism as the best option.
“The two countries highlighted above – Senegal with 17 million population and 14 regions and Gambia with population of less than three million and six regions – succeeded by running their government through federalism.
“But Nigeria with 250 million people have failed in addressing its challenges and the country is showing every indices of a failed nation. In Nigeria today, the spate of insecurity is alarming.
“The economic situation in the country is not something to write home about. We call on the National Assembly and the Executive to review the Nigerian constitution.
“Restructuring is the only panacea to Nigeria’s structural deficit and until Nigeria is restructured using regionalism as the best template, I am afraid the country may not survive the next two years of constant problems and challenges,” he warned.
The Guest Speaker, Gbadamosi Kazeem from Federal Polytechnics, Offa spoke about the humility displayed by Oya as the wife of Sango.
Kazeem highlighted the need for women to be humble and courageous by drawing inspiration from Oya’s great virtues.
“Today’s event is not just a fanfare. It is an opportunity for us to learn great lessons from the life and times of Oya, a great woman that had been a source of inspiration to many and a symbol of humility to her husband Sango,” he said.
The Onira of Ira, Oba Abdul Wahab Oyewale Oyetoro, in his remark, expressed appreciation to Iba Adams for promoting the cultural identity of Yoruba across Yoruba land.
The monarch said Ira would continue to support Iba in his cultural promotion agenda.
Chairman of the day, Prince Kehinde Arowolo, urged sons and daughters of Ira to support the OPC in order to ensure peace and progress in Ira.
Present at the event were the Ira Council of Chiefs, Ira Descendants Union (IDU), members of the National Executive Council (NEC) and National Coordinating Council (NCC) of OPC, among others.
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