Nnaji, others advocate visionary leadership for economic rediscovery of Enugu

AFORMER Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has advocated visionary leadership as key for economic rediscovery of Enugu State, lamenting that the state is fast losing its productive capacities to poor leadership.

Nnaji spoke as indigenes of the state, under the auspices of Hilltop Club, Abuja, canvassed for pragmatic approach towards development of the state, insisting that Enugu is far from realising its potentials, despite its enormous natural and human resources.

The ex- minister, who spoke at a policy dialogue, titled: ‘ Enugu State Of Our Dream,’ organised by the Hilltop Club, said the visionary strides of such leaders like late Micheal Okpara, in the defunct Eastern Region, should be reinvented to put the state on the path of development.

He said there is need for both agricultural and industrial revolution to return Enugu as a fastest growing economy in Nigeria. He stressed that the dearth of industries and other employment platforms have continued to increase social vices and other criminalities.

Nnaji said: “We must, therefore, create the consciousness for engagement, and speak truth to power to return our state on the path of economic progress.

“All industries set up in the state during previous administrations, in Eastern Nigeria, are not there today, even as our youths roam the streets. So, it is not too late to rekindle the old spirit for the good of our state.”

Chairman of Hilltop club, Abuja, Chief Chris Okafor, while presenting the ‘ Enugu State Of Our Dream’ document, expressed displeasure that the state, though a former capital of Eastern

Nigeria, could not compare favourably with other cities like Ibadan and Kaduna in terms of infrastructural and related development.

He said that the club, whose membership spans through the three senatorial zones of the state, decided to research and came up with the document to help future administrations, stressing that it encompasses various segments like agriculture, education, health services, science, technolog y, innovation, transportatio n, culture and tourism, as well as en vironment for industrialisation.