National Integration: A Panacea for Socioeconomic Development in Nigeria

This year’s Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is intended to rekindle the discourse on national integration against the delimitating effect and culture of parochial indigenisation. Conceptualised to reiterate the outcome of the second NAS Citizens’ Summit held on Friday, 01 February 2013 which gave rise to the re-presentation of the private member National Integration Bill of NAS to the National Assembly in 2013, this year’s event will once again place national integration in focus.

In the wake of the outcry of accusations of sectionalism and nepotistic appointments against the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, which has in some ways ignited a threat to Nigeria’s unity and coexistence in one political space and as one indivisible people, the topic for discussion in this year’s edition of the Wole Soyinka Lecture Series, is now more critical than ever to the political, social and economic growth of Nigeria. Notably, the recent uproar generated by the nomination of Mrs Opunimi Akinkugbe for an ambassadorial position has brought to the fore once again, the age-long question regarding the benefits of practices like the State Indigene, Federal Character and Quota System as against capability, competence, equitable distribution of resources, equal opportunity, residency and the culture of acceptance and assimilation.
Comparative narratives of the experience of citizens in diaspora prove that the integration of diverse people is the bedrock of Nationalism and true Federalism and drives socio-economic development in a society. However, successful national integration requires dialogue with all stakeholders and policy implementation that are aimed at addressing the reduction of regional inequality and restiveness occasioned by the fear and realities of alienation. How do we change this trajectory and reposition Nigeria for greatness?

This lecture series is a clarion call to dialogue, share experiences and network on the transformation of Nigeria. We need to identify and institute a path that enthrones the culture of competence over quota system and regional favouritism.

The 23rd Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is scheduled to hold on a virtual platform, leveraging on the Wole Soyinka Digital Dialogue, on 31st July 2020 by 14.00 Hours (2pm) GMT. Prof Cyril Abobo, an infectious and Immunological Diseases Expert with Texas Southern University, USA is the keynote speaker while discussants include Ms Kadaria Ahmed, renowned broadcaster and journalist, Prof ‘Femi Odekunle, a defense and security expert, Ms Annkio Briggs, Environmental and Human Rights Activist and Ejiro Umukoro, another renowned broadcaster and journalist will serve as the moderator.

THE WOLE SOYINKA ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES

The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series was founded in 1994 by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) to provide a platform for national and global intellectual discourse and proffer solutions to critical problems impeding democratic growth and socioeconomic development, particularly in Nigeria and the world in general. Since its inception, the WSLS has hosted Twenty-Two lectures in three continents of the world (Africa, Europe and North America) with notable and distinguished speakers from around the world delivering key lectures and leading discussions.
The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is symptomatic of the intellectual bent of the organisers – the National Association of Seadogs, which is equally indicative of the person of Professor Wole Soyinka and the charismatic leadership that he has provided for decades. Founding this forum where solutions are proffered to critical problems facing humanity, and using a global figure as a rallying point, speaks volumes of the direction of the Association’s community causes and the adoption of a multi-tactical approach to the realization of our dreams for a better world.