The President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC) and former Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Ms. Patience Key, has urged Nigerians to stop dwelling on past leadership failures and take strategic steps toward national transformation.

Reacting to the recent autobiography of former President Ibrahim Babangida, “A Journey in Service”, Key emphasized that Nigerians must shift from frustration to action if they truly want change.

1993 Election Annulment: Consequences Still Linger

Key acknowledged that the book’s revelation about MKO Abiola’s victory in the 1993 presidential election was not new.

However, she highlighted that the annulment had lasting effects, including:

• Political instability
• Economic stagnation
• National disillusionment

Despite these setbacks, she stressed that outrage alone would not change Nigeria’s trajectory.

“If we continue in this cycle of reactionary frustration, nothing will change. Transformation requires more than righteous indignation—it demands disciplined, coordinated action.”

Strategic Action: Key’s Roadmap for a Better Nigeria

Key outlined practical steps to reshape Nigeria’s future:

1. Political Power Reclamation

She called for Nigerians to stop lamenting about bad leadership and start actively funding, supporting, and electing transformational leaders at all levels of government.

2. Harnessing Diaspora Resources

With over $20 billion in annual diaspora remittances, Key believes Nigerians abroad can play a crucial role in driving political and systemic change.

3. Ending Ethnic and Religious Divisions

She urged Nigerians to unite beyond tribal and religious lines, emphasizing that true change requires coalition-building, not just criticism.

4. Economic Independence and Industrial Growth

Key stressed that Nigeria must reduce reliance on foreign powers by:

• Supporting local businesses
• Investing in Nigerian innovation
• Building self-sustaining industries
• Developing policies that prioritize Nigeria’s interests over foreign corporations. “Nigeria cannot remain a country that consumes everything and produces nothing.”

5. A Unified National Identity

She encouraged Nigerians to put national progress before ethnicity and religion, urging professionals and entrepreneurs to invest in Nigeria’s future.

Call to Action for Nigerians in Diaspora

Key also challenged Nigerians in diaspora to:

• Use their influence to demand reforms
• Fund political change to promote good governance
• Invest in key industries to reduce reliance on foreign aid

Ms. Key’s message is clear: Nigeria’s future depends on the actions of its people.

Instead of fixating on past failures, Nigerians must actively shape the future through unity, strategic political involvement, and economic investment.