Ex Kenyan Prime Minister, Odinga, blasts African leaders at 5th Zik's Lecture Series---as Atiku calls for investment in Education

www.odogwublog.com reports that the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga has said that African leaders are partly responsible for the slow rate of development in the continent.
Odinga who was guest lecturer at the 5th Zik Lecture series in honour of Late Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said that African elites use state resources for their personal benefits, but once they lose out of power, they begin to ignite ethnic sentiment, which tends to divide their countries.
“Leaders when in trouble resort to ethnicity in order to protect themselves.  They stir up ethnic and religious sentiments to build up pillars of support.
“Nations fail when the leaders are not accountable to the people. Power devolution is the most effective way to bring government closer to the people. That is why Africa must ensure that electoral power in one man, be it the president or any other must be reduced.
“It ensures to a very large extent transparency in power and helps the economy to grow. Colonialism was not really a problem or setback on Africa because there are countries outside Africa which despite being colonized are today doing very well. What is t that they are doing differently? They understood long ago the importance of building strong institutions that helps the economy to grow,” Odinga said.
The former prime minister in trying to proffer solutions to Africa’s numerous problems said, “Africa must complete the democratic transition, and this requires the putting strong electoral and judicial systems in place.”
He added that another way to get Africa out of underdevelopment is for African leaders to fight corruption with sincerity, saying that doing so requires genuine commitment.
Earlier, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is also the chairman of the occasion said Nigeria must invest in education as that is the only to develop the country.
He said, “Education is too important to be left in the hands of government alone, only education can change a man, and that is why I invest heavily in education.
“I strongly believe that primary and secondary education should be absolutely free and made compulsory too. I am waiting to see a time when they will be effective student exchange programs among universities in Africa.”

www.odogwublog.com reports further that the event was attended by Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Joe Ahaneku and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi while the Dean faculty of Social Sciences Prof Stella Chinyere Okunna, was elated for the successful faculty lecture.