Former Minister of Education, Dr.Oby Ezekwesili has declared that Nigeria as a country would not function effectively without restructuring of current Fiscal Federalism which concentrates too much constitutional power in the hands of government at the centre while component states are weakened
Founder of Human Capital Africa made the declaration during the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media held on Thursday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
She decried the situation where Federalism is only in principle and not in practice as seen in some of the countries including the United States, Canada ,Germany and Australia who practice true Fiscal Federalism that allows each of the component states to thrive and ensure healthy competitions among themselves
The former Vice-President of World Bank in charge of Africa recalled how the founding fathers started as regional government in the 50s and early 60s , when there was healthy competitions among West, East and Northern Regions with each of them controlling resources, making Nigeria a very strong nation whose economy can compete globally
Ezekwesili who was speaking as a Keynote Speaker on the topic "Reworking Nigeria's Federalism, Perspective On Restructuring And Fiscal Federalism", described the current Fiscal Federalism as a form of "Unitary System" introduced by military government who disrupted the democratic journey in the early 60s and removed the economic and political powers given to the regions and centralized such powers
She maintained that the various social safety nets initiatives introduced by government would continue to be a mirage until when there is devolution of constitutional power to smaller units, such as states or local governments who are closer to the people at the grassroots
The current structural rigidity according to her, is holding back individual Nigerians from thriving in the country while making it difficult for Nigeria to grow economically as a country
She insisted that on only true Fiscal Federalism through restructuring can address the obvious imbalance among geo-political zones and ensure healthy competitions among states , calling on Nigerian media to champion the crusade for fiscal restructuring to make Nigeria work for everyone
The annual public lecturer attracted former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola , Chief (Dr.) Joju Fadairo , media executives amongst others
Founder of Penpushing Media-an online news platform, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji had earlier in his welcome address, described hosting of the 7th edition of the annual lecture as another feat, appreciating top personalities who had featured as keynote speakers while using the event to call on well meaning individuals to support various initiatives of the media organization aimed at assisting the less privileged and special people who need various support including educational sponsorship, provision of materials and food items
He added the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ezekwesili was chosen considering her track record as a multi- perspective and cerebral resource person and Development Expert with deep knowledge on the topic of discussion
Kayode-Adedeji , a veteran journalist appreciated the Editorial Board of Penpushing and those who contributed to the success of the event
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