Ambassador Tunji Sarafa Isola, Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has said that the nation’s growth is being affected by trust deficit among Nigerians.
This is as he called cultural shift towards building mutual trust to foster growth and sustainable development in the country.
Isola made these remarks during a public discussion organized by the Department of Mass Communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
The event, held on Tuesday, featured Isola alongside Elder Ahmed Raji, former Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun and Anambra States, and Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Director of TVC Entertainment, under the theme “Trust and National Development in Nigeria.”
Isola emphasized that the foundation of trust-building starts at the grassroots level, highlighting the importance of trust within families and communities as a prerequisite for trust in local and national leadership.
He called for introspection among Nigerians, urging them to evaluate where trust has been eroded and to prioritize the country’s progress over individual interests.
Addressing the audience, Isola, who also served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, stressed the need for a heightened sense of patriotism across all strata of society.
He underscored that national development hinges on collective efforts, irrespective of status or tribe, to foster mutual trust.
Echoing similar sentiments, Elder Ahmed Raji pointed to flawed electoral processes and unfulfilled campaign promises as key contributors to public distrust in Nigeria’s leadership.
He emphasized the necessity for transparent elections and accountability in governance to rebuild trust between leaders and the populace.
Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, in her contribution, urged young Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s future by fostering positive change in their communities. She called for a shift in mindset, emphasizing personal responsibility in addressing national challenges.
Dr. Lanre Akinola, Head of the Mass Communication Department at OOU, underscored the discussion’s purpose in bridging the trust gap towards a more unified and prosperous Nigeria.
