WE DON’T JUST NEED POLICIES, WE NEED PARTNERSHIP, PURPOSE AND PEOPLE — Prof. John Abraham Godson
At the 4th Annual National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held today, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Prof. John Abraham Godson — entrepreneur, agribusiness leader, former Polish MP, and first Black Member of the Parliament of Poland, delivered one of the most powerful insights of the day. Speaking on the theme “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth & Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry & Innovation in Policy Implementation,” Prof. Godson emphasized that Nigeria’s transformation depends on aligning leadership with innovation and integrity.
Drawing lessons from Poland’s journey, he shared how a struggling post-communist nation rose from chaos to become Europe’s fifth-largest economy through consistent reforms, education, and policy stability. “In 1990, Poland’s GDP per capita was $1,690. Today, it’s over $51,000. What changed? Reforms, education, and consistency. Nigeria can do the same if we make education and innovation our foundation,” he said.
On policy implementation, he challenged leaders to replace top-down control with collaboration, stressing that sustainable growth requires partnership between government, business, and academia.
“Policy must be a partnership, not a proclamation. When businesses and the government sit together to design solutions, implementation becomes ownership, and ownership drives results.”
Prof. Godson also called for a national mindset shift to embrace and consume locally made products.
“Industrial transformation begins with mindset. Nigerians must learn to value what we produce locally. We can’t build a strong economy if we don’t believe in our own products.”
He concluded with a message that struck deeply:
“The path to national growth begins with people, excellence, innovation, technology, and integrity. When we invest in these, we don’t just compete globally, we lead.”
From education to entrepreneurship, and to industry, Prof. Godson’s message was a timely reminder that Nigeria’s greatness lies not in its resources, but in its people, and in the courage to think, create, and lead with purpose.
The event had in attendance several distinguished personalities, including the former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; the National Chairman of the Forum, H.E. Chris Akomas, PhD, FNIM; the Director-General of the Forum, Hon. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu; the Former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON); the Ambassador-Designate to Poland, H.E. Michal Cygan; AIG Victor Olaiya, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the former deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, the present governor of Abia state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and many others.
It was truly a gathering of visionaries committed to shaping a productive, self-reliant, and innovative Nigeria.