Business leader and political figure Valentine Ozigbo has called for a deeper moral and spiritual renewal as the foundation for Nigeria’s future development, arguing that political reforms alone cannot deliver lasting national progress.
In a New Year reflection released on January 1, Ozigbo said Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in a lack of ideas, talent, or hard work, but in what he described as a weak moral and spiritual foundation underpinning the nation’s political and economic life.
According to him, years of engagement in corporate leadership, politics, and faith have shaped his conviction that leadership changes and policy reforms remain fragile without shared values to sustain them.
“Policies change quickly, but values change slowly,” Ozigbo noted, stressing that development efforts built without a strong moral anchor are easily undone by political transitions and social instability.
Leadership, Citizenship, and Moral Renewal
Ozigbo reaffirmed his long-standing advocacy for what he described as three pillars of national progress: the right leadership, a culture of continuous improvement, and an active, responsible citizenry. However, he added that these principles cannot succeed without what he termed a “shared moral and spiritual canopy” that defines limits to power, upholds justice, and affirms the dignity of all Nigerians.
He warned that without such a foundation, the country risks repeating cycles of “elections without justice, reforms without continuity, and development without dignity.”
Lessons from Other Nations
Drawing comparisons with other diverse societies, Ozigbo cited examples including China, Indonesia, India, Singapore, and Russia, noting that each has relied on a shared moral, ethical, or civilizational framework to maintain cohesion beyond day-to-day politics.
He argued that Nigeria failed to undertake a similar foundational consensus at independence in 1960 and is now living with the consequences of that omission.
Call for Structural and Moral Consensus
Ozigbo emphasized that Nigeria’s renewal must address both structural and moral questions. He advocated a united Nigeria grounded in shared values, alongside greater autonomy for its constituent parts, consistent with the principles of true federalism.
He referenced existing reform initiatives such as the 2014 National Conference Report, calls for true federalism by elder statesmen, and emerging models aimed at redefining Nigeria as a union anchored on justice, dignity, and shared responsibility. He described these efforts as complementary paths toward what he called Nigeria’s “second founding.”
Appeal to Political Leadership
As part of his New Year resolution, Ozigbo said he intends to use his influence to encourage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to champion a broader national project that combines ongoing decentralisation efforts with a clear moral settlement.
While acknowledging progress in areas such as local government autonomy, regional development, and discussions around state policing, he said these reforms must be integrated within a shared moral framework to ensure long-term stability.
Message to Citizens
Ozigbo also appealed to Nigerians across sectors to contribute to national renewal by rejecting corruption, exploitation, and injustice in their respective spheres. He urged business leaders, religious figures, public officials, and ordinary citizens to uphold ethical standards and personal responsibility.
He concluded by expressing hope that 2026 would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s history, not merely as another calendar year, but as the beginning of a deeper national rebirth.
Ozigbo closed his message with a prayer for healing, unity, and courage, urging Nigerians to focus first on rebuilding the moral foundations of the nation as the basis for sustainable progress.
