Uche Ndeke
A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, says Nigeria and other African countries need to redefine their national values to attain greater development.
Chidoka noted Africa development has been impeded by wrong and faulty foundation and organizational principles inherited from the colonial masters.
He was speaking at 2025 District Conference of Rotary International District 9142, held in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
The former minister contended that colonialism shattered the ideals of the traditional pre-colonial system, where the leaders were accountable to their followers with deep communally-responsible structure.
Chief Chidoka regretted that leadership failure has made bad governance a recurring feature in leadership across Africa.
“People keep expecting transformational leadership from individuals who have been shaped by broken systems created by the society.
“We expect them to deliver fairness when they rose through favors.
“We beg them to pursue public good when their loyalty is to the powers that be.”
He accused the colonial masters of building railways across the continent only to aid the movement of products for exportation.
“The colonial masters built public service that taxed people so that they make money for the government in order to pay royalties back to the colonial government.
The former Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps extolled the selflessness of the Rotary Club driven by the urge to give back to society.
For national transformation, Chidoka recommended what he called “Trinity” where the family, community and the country are rebuilt as a redefined national values for rapid development.
Rotary hailed for service to humanity
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in a goodwill message, commended Rotary International for its continued support to humanity.
He urged members to intensify charitable efforts in the areas of health, education, flood and disaster management among others.
District Governor, Rotary International District 9142, Professor Nkemdili Nnonyelu, appreciated members for individual and collective contributions to the club.
He expressed satisfaction that under his leadership, the district has recorded notable achievements.
The 2025 District Conference of Rotary International District 9142 attracted members from the seven states.
The states are Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
