Nigeria @ 66: Dr. Femi Lanre-Oke Identifies Problems, Offers Solution Perspectives

Nigeria @ 66

 

OpenLife News reports that in this exclusive interview with OpenLife on the basis of Nigeria’s 66th Independence, Dr. Femi Lanre-Oke, Renowned Cleric, Leadership Development Expert and Visiting Professor at the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), United States, bares his mind on the state of affairs in Nigeria, leadership failure, restructuring and the 2027 elections.

Dr. Lanre-Oke, who is the Senior Pastor of Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministry International (JPEMI) and President of the Still Waters Foundation, brings a unique blend of technical expertise, administrative acumen and community development experience to national discourse.

An engineer by training, he holds a Bachelor of Technology in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Information Technology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, a Master’s in Marketing and Sales from Rome Business School, Lagos, a Doctor of Science in ICT from London Graduate School in partnership with Commonwealth University, Dubai, and a Ph.D. in Organization Development from the South East Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute, Philippines.

He is certified in leadership psychology, emotional intelligence, strategic leadership and change management, and is a member of several professional bodies including the Institute of Leadership and Manpower Development, the Institute of Management Consultants, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Computer Professional Council of Nigeria.

In 2022, his contributions to leadership earned him the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award and his appointment as an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador.

In this interview, he speaks with Isaac Ngumah, a senior Staff Writer on church’s role in nation-building, and why competence must trump religion and ethnicity in 2027.
Excerpts

As Nigeria clocks 66 years of independence, what is your assessment so far?
We shouldn’t be where we are today. But I believe with time, we will get to where we are going.

President Tinubu said the current challenges did not start with his reforms, but from past leaders’ failure to address the nation’s ailments. What is your take?
That is not good enough. The problems of this country have been there, and that is why we voted leaders — to identify the problems and solve them.

What can you say about low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient opportunities and failed institutions?
It is a collective responsibility. Everybody needs to play their own part — the government and the citizens. If everyone plays their role, everything will be addressed and put in good order.

How can the country build an economy that lifts people out of poverty?
If leaders work in love and we work collectively, we will build a better economy.

What is your view on the Education Loan and Consumer Credit schemes instituted by the Federal Government?
It is a good initiative.

How can government create millions of productive opportunities across the country?
If they work on the needs of the masses and build infrastructure that meets those needs, they will be able to attain a high level of productivity across board.

Some say the President’s reforms have saved the country from imminent collapse. What is your take?
The President’s reforms are positive, but they are not balanced.

What do you make of the frustrations, agony and broken promises Nigerians feel today?
It is very disappointing, but if leaders can learn from it, I think they can do much better.

What is your take on leadership failure, insecurity, economic hardship, state police, fiscal autonomy and implementation of the 2014 National Confab?
If the 2014 National Conference had been implemented, it would have been helpful to Nigerians by now. It would have lifted people out of poverty and created positive change.

Why are men of God silent over the nation’s prevailing challenges?
They are not silent. They are speaking through intercessions and prayers.

Many Nigerians are calling for restructuring. What is your position?
Restructuring is necessary and it will create a balanced system of governance in Nigeria.

What about colonial imbalance and faulty political structures?
It is very clear and the consequences are there today.

What can you say about corruption and weak institutions?
There are works going on, but it is not enough. We still have more to do.

What is your view on misgovernance in Nigeria?
That is very clear. The consequences are there. We need people who understand proper governance, not those who work with their own initiative and basic knowledge.

What is responsible for escalation of rural violence?
It is because the dividends of democracy do not get to the grassroots, so the people are rioting and demonstrating their dissatisfaction.

What about decentralized security, fiscal autonomy and constitutional reforms?
It is a good development. I believe it will help.

What solutions can be offered to farmers-herders and ethno-religious crises?
The ranching plan the government is proposing is a good thing. We should strike a balance. They should go for ranching rather than destroying people’s farmlands with their animals.

Some say religion and ethnicity will play a key role in who wins the 2027 presidential election. What is your take?
Competence and capacity will play a major role, not religion.

Do you have training programs in your ministry?
Yes. We develop people. We teach basic theology and leadership administration to build a better society in our communities.

What are your challenges in the ministry?
The challenges are in different dimensions and they require patience to tackle.

What do you say about fake pastors and fake miracles?
The Bible has said it — we will always have false prophets and miracles in the end. So it is not a new thing.

What about sexual immorality among men of God?
I see it as an attack against men of God.

Should men of God go into politics?
Why not?

What about men of God who go about with private jets and security agents?
I don’t see that as a problem. It is another dimension of spreading the gospel. If they can afford them, why not? What about businessmen who fly private jets? Why single out men of God?

What is the Church’s contribution to nation building?
The church is doing much in terms of building people and telling them the truth.

Do you have skills and empowerment programs in your ministry that impact society?
Yes. Recently we just held skills development and empowerment programs in the church.

What do you say about godfatherism in Nigerian politics?
In life, there is a place for mentorship. It becomes a problem when they want to siphon funds.

What about stomach politics and rigging of election results?
It is not good. I believe we will come out of it.

Tell us about your grassroots evangelism.
We go to communities and villages to win souls for Christ. We also give welfare packages and conduct medical outreaches.

What are your methods of evangelism?
We go one-on-one, we go as a group, and we also organize crusades.

What do you say about Christian genocide claims in Nigeria?
It is very disheartening. We see it happening, but we pray God will intervene.

What is your take on protection and freedom of religion?
That is the truth. It must be protected.

How can we achieve advanced democracy, good governance and national development?
Our leaders should key into the right policies.

How can we broaden understanding of insecurity and reduce the Christian versus Muslim narrative?
Continuous improvement in education and knowledge will help.

As Nigeria clocks 66, how can we embrace renewed patriotism, national unity and collective commitment to build a more secure and prosperous nation?
We should learn how to love one another and we will achieve our aim.

How have you tackled unemployment through your ministry?
We do empowerment and training programs for people.

Since 1960, Nigeria’s political elites have failed to create a unified national vision. What is your take?
Nigeria can one day grow to build a unified national vision.