“Governance should be driven by capability, capacity, and competence — not by tribe, gender, or religion. Only when we rise above these divisions will Nigeria become truly great and united.”— Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA)
This belief is not just a personal conviction — it is a call to national awakening.
Nigeria is blessed with vast natural and human resources, rich cultures, and remarkably talented people. Yet we continue to be held back by the politics of identity — where who you are, where you come from, or what you believe still determines your access to leadership and opportunity.
We must ask: Have these divisions ever truly served us? Have they brought us closer to the Nigeria we dream of?
The truth is, our country’s greatest challenges — insecurity, poverty, corruption, youth unemployment, and weak institutions — are national, not tribal or religious problems. Solving them requires leaders of proven competence, not those propelled into power by ethnicity, gender tokenism, or religious sentiment.
Capability is the wisdom to design sound policies. Capacity is the strength to deliver those policies. Competence is the consistency to achieve results under pressure.
These are the values that must define leadership at all levels — from local councils to the presidency.
Across our continent, Namibia has set a powerful example. In March 2025, Namibia made history by swearing in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president, alongside Lucia Witbooi as vice president, and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as speaker of the National Assembly — all women, all chosen based on merit, not sentiment.
This is proof that when competence leads, gender becomes irrelevant, and progress becomes inevitable.
I believe Nigeria can follow suit — not by copying, but by embracing the principle: choose the best person for the job, regardless of background.
When we place merit over manipulation, and patriotism over prejudice, we will see a Nigeria that is united in purpose and prosperous in outcome.
A Nigeria where every citizen, no matter their gender, ethnicity, or religion, feels valued, included, and protected.
Let us rise above divisions.
Let us reward leaders who unify, not polarize.
Let us inspire a new generation to lead with clarity, courage, and character.
The Nigeria we desire will not be born through empty promises or recycled politics.
It will be built by people of Capability, Capacity, and Competence.
And the time to begin is now.
Credit: Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA)W writes from Oyo State, Nigeria.
