By Tony Obiechina Abuja
As part of the inaugural edition of The Nigerian Hamilton Project: A National Dialogue Series on Development as an Attitude, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) hosted a compelling fireside chat between Professor Osita Ogbu, Development Economist and former Economic Adviser to the President, and Mr. Nnanna Ude, NESG Board Director.
The event, held in Enugu, sparked a reflective and wide-ranging conversation on leadership values, governance philosophies, and national transformation.
Speaking candidly, Professor Ogbu drew on his experiences and research, emphasizing that development is ultimately shaped not just by leadership alone, but by the ideas, values, and philosophies leaders bring into governance.
“It is not simply a question of leaders,” he stated. “It is the values and philosophies that guide their actions that are important. These determine the quality of leadership and, ultimately, the development outcomes.”
Drawing from his new book, he shared comparative insights into how different countries—particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America—navigated the early phases of development. These leaders, he explained, often demonstrated a willingness to take difficult but necessary decisions to move their nations forward.
Referencing page 56 of the book, Prof. Ogbu touched on the perils of merchandising democracy, where vote-selling and transactional politics diminish public accountability.
“When citizens sell their votes, leaders no longer feel obliged to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.
He also acknowledged the paradox that many successful development stories—especially in East Asia—were driven by so-called “liberal autocrats” who, though not always products of democratic processes, earned public trust by delivering tangible results.
“Some of these leaders curtailed aspects of civil liberties to move their countries forward, and the people accepted those sacrifices because they saw progress. The first order of business is to deliver results. When leaders lead well from the top, people follow.”
Prof. Ogbu reflected on his own time in public service, recalling how bureaucracy and inherited hierarchies stifled open dialogue:
“I remember walking into meetings, and before I could say anything, the directors were already echoing ‘yes sir, yes sir.’ I had to tell them, calm down! Let me finish the sentence.”
He challenged the widespread short-termism in African governance cycles, arguing that even within a 4- or 8-year democratic term, visionary leadership can achieve transformative results—if anchored in the right philosophy.
“The Asian countries that succeeded were led by people with good values, strong moral standing, and a serious philosophy of development—and they stayed long enough to deliver. But even in shorter terms, much can be done if leaders are intentional.”
The conversation also turned to continuity in leadership, and the importance of not just who leads, but who follows after, and whether they build on or dismantle their predecessor’s gains.
“Continuity is not always automatic,” he noted. “Sometimes, people deliberately abandon what works. Leadership transitions must be guided by values, not ego.”
Moderated by, Mr. Nnanna Ude, the fireside chat offered a unique platform to explore bold ideas about nation-building, civic ethics, and leadership integrity—delivered in an intimate yet thought-provoking setting.
The fireside chat was part of a broader day of dialogue featuring a book signing, audience engagement, and a panel discussion. The next edition of The Nigerian Hamilton Project will take place in Lagos on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, continuing this journey of thought leadership and civic engagement.
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