Amb. Tunji Sarafa Ishola: Let’s See Restructuring As Unifying Strategy

The immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, has stressed that restructuring should no longer be viewed through the narrow lens of regional or sectional interest but embraced as a national rebirth strategy critical to Nigeria’s progress.

Ambassador Ishola made this assertion in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while serving as Chairman of the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media, a prominent online news platform. The well-attended event, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, brought together key stakeholders, media practitioners, and thought leaders to discuss pressing national issues.

Speaking with conviction, Ishola, a former Minister and 2027 Ogun governorship hopeful, argued that Nigeria’s current federal structure exists largely in theory but fails in practical delivery. “The federalism we operate today neither grants real autonomy to the federating units nor stimulates the competitive development needed to drive national growth,” he said.

He went further to highlight that restructuring must go beyond the mere devolution of powers. “True federalism is about responsible governance, institutional clarity, fiscal equity, and above all, citizen-driven accountability,” he noted.

Ambassador Ishola also pointed out that the mindset of citizens must be part of the restructuring process. According to him, Nigerians must learn to appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of public servants, even when imperfect. “Part of national restructuring is in how we treat our leaders. Until we begin to sincerely recognize and value the contributions of those who serve, we will continue to discourage well-meaning and competent individuals from stepping forward,” he said.

He commended Penpushing Media for providing a platform to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues of national interest and charged the organisers to sustain and expand the initiative, calling it a valuable national asset.

Adding depth to the discourse, former Minister of Education, and keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili delivered a blunt but passionate critique of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, describing it as an ineffective and costly distraction.

“The current constitutional amendment can not solve the deep-rooted issues stifling Nigeria’s growth. It is a charade, an expensive one, and frankly, a sheer waste of resources,” Ezekwesili stated.

Drawing a vivid analogy, she said, “When an engineer confirms that a building’s foundation is structurally defective, you don’t start patching walls. You take the whole building down. That’s the situation with Nigeria’s current structure. It is fundamentally flawed and can not be fixed with tweaks.”

According to her, “Nation-building cannot thrive on cosmetic changes. The time has come for Nigeria to embrace the demand for a brand-new constitution. This is no longer a political debate. It is a matter of life and death.”

The anniversary lecture served as a call to action for national introspection, courageous reforms, and sustained civic engagement. Both speakers agreed that the road to a better Nigeria must begin with sincerity, structural realignment, and an empowered, enlightened citizenry.

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By: Fikunmi Sokoya