A VOTE FOR A STRUCTURED DIALOGUE

 Oborevwori urges the country to redefine its sense of collective identity at the Yoruba elite chamber, writes JAMES ADAMS

When Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stepped into the historic halls of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, he was not merely attending another high-profile gathering. He was entering a space steeped in intellectual and finest Lagos tradition, a forum where some of Nigeria’s most consequential conversations about nationhood have been shaped over the past century. His message at the club’s Annual Lecture Series was clear, deliberate, and timely: Nigeria must urgently redefine its sense of collective identity and embrace structured dialogue as a pathway to unity and sustainable governance.

Delivering a lecture titled “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria,” Oborevwori addressed a critical fault line in Nigeria’s national development, which is the absence of a shared identity strong enough to transcend ethnic, religious, and regional divides. His argument was not new in essence, but it was presented with a refreshing sense of pragmatism. In a country often defined by its diversity, he insisted that unity cannot be assumed; it must be intentionally cultivated.

Nigeria’s history has been marked by recurring tensions rooted in identity politics. From ethnic rivalries to religious mistrust, the country’s diversity has often been more of a fault line than a strength. Oborevwori’s intervention, therefore, speaks to a long-standing challenge: how to build a cohesive national identity in a plural society.

The governor’s call for a “shared national consciousness” is particularly significant in the current context, where insecurity, economic hardship, and political polarization have deepened divisions. He warned that nation-building cannot be left to chance or rhetorical commitments. Instead, it requires deliberate policies and sustained investments in programmes that promote integration and mutual respect.

His emphasis on inclusive governance as a foundation for unity is equally noteworthy. In Delta State, his administration has sought to balance competing interests across ethnic lines, ensuring that governance is not perceived as favoring one group over another. By presenting Delta as a case study, Oborevwori positioned his state as a microcosm of what Nigeria could achieve if inclusiveness becomes a guiding principle.

One of the most compelling aspects of the governor’s lecture was his focus on institutional mechanisms for fostering unity. He proposed the revitalisation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a programme originally designed to promote national integration among young Nigerians. Over the years, the NYSC has faced criticism for inefficiency and declining relevance, but Oborevwori believes it can still serve as a powerful tool for nation-building if restructured.

He also advocated the introduction of a national curriculum that teaches shared history, values, and symbols. This proposal touches on a critical gap in Nigeria’s educational system. For decades, the absence of a unified narrative about the country’s history has contributed to fragmented identities. By teaching young Nigerians a common story that celebrates diversity while emphasizing unity, the country can begin to build a stronger sense of belonging.

The governor’s ideas extend beyond formal education. He highlighted the role of the media in shaping national values, urging both traditional and digital platforms to project Nigeria in a positive light. In an age where narratives are increasingly shaped by global influences, he warned against content that ridicules ethnic groups or reinforces stereotypes. Instead, he called for storytelling that celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity while promoting cooperation and understanding.

Oborevwori’s recognition of the media and entertainment industry as tools for nation-building reflects a modern understanding of soft power. Nigeria’s creative industries—film, music, and digital content, have gained global recognition, yet their potential for domestic value reorientation remains underutilised.

By advocating for content that promotes unity and shared identity, the governor is essentially calling for a cultural renaissance. He believes that persuasive, engaging narratives are more effective than state-driven propaganda in shaping public attitudes. This approach aligns with global best practices, where storytelling has been used to foster national pride and cohesion.

His warning against divisive content is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where misinformation and inflammatory narratives can spread rapidly. By encouraging responsible media practices, Oborevwori is addressing a key driver of societal tension.

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Oborevwori’s proposal is the institutionalisation of a periodic national conference. Unlike past conferences that often ended as talk shops, his vision is for a structured, outcome-driven process with measurable objectives and legislative backing.

He proposed a decennial conference, that will be held every ten years, that would bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, and representatives of marginalized groups. This inclusive approach is designed to ensure that all voices are heard in shaping Nigeria’s future.

More importantly, he emphasised the need for implementation. By recommending an independent, non-partisan secretariat to monitor resolutions and publish annual progress reports, Oborevwori addressed one of the biggest criticisms of previous national dialogues: the lack of follow-through.

His proposal also includes legislative backing for conference outcomes, ensuring that recommendations translate into actionable policies. This is a crucial step toward bridging the gap between dialogue and governance, transforming conversations into tangible results.

At the heart of Oborevwori’s argument is a shift from reactive governance to proactive nation-building. Nigeria has often responded to crises after they occur, rather than addressing the underlying causes. By advocating structured dialogue and inclusive policies, the governor is proposing a more strategic approach to governance.

His emphasis on measurable objectives, such as assessing inclusiveness, conducting regional development audits, and establishing conflict prevention mechanisms, reflects a results-oriented mindset. This approach aligns with global trends in governance, where data-driven decision-making and accountability are key to sustainable development.

The choice of venue for this lecture is not insignificant. Founded in 1926, the Yoruba Tennis Club has long been a hub for elite discourse and policy debates. Its centenary celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of dialogue in shaping Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

By addressing this audience, Oborevwori was speaking not just to Lagos elites but to a broader national audience. His message was a call to action for leaders across sectors to prioritise unity and inclusive governance.

Governor Oborevwori’s lecture comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. With rising insecurity, economic challenges, and political uncertainty, the need for a cohesive national identity has never been more urgent. His proposals, while ambitious, offer a practical roadmap for addressing these challenges.

By focusing on shared identity, inclusive governance, and structured dialogue, he has outlined a vision that goes beyond rhetoric. It is a vision that requires commitment, collaboration, and courage from all stakeholders.

Oborevwori’s intervention at the Yoruba Tennis Club is more than a policy proposal; it is a philosophical statement about the kind of nation Nigeria must become. A nation where diversity is not a source of division but a foundation for unity. A nation where dialogue is not episodic but institutionalised. And a nation where governance is not reactive but proactive, driven by a shared vision of progress. Adams writes from Lagos