A retired Nigerian Army Major based in the United States, Ambrose Agho, has urged African leaders to embrace genuine democratic principles by offering quality governance and prioritising the welfare of their citizens.
In a telephone conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Agho described Africa as a continent endowed with immense natural resources and largely free from natural disasters. What it lacks, he argued, is committed and visionary leadership.
“Africa’s blessings are clear,” he said. “But what it truly needs is leadership that ensures the well-being of its people and positions the continent to exert meaningful influence on the global stage.”
Reflecting on recent unsettling events in several African countries, Agho stressed that democracy on the continent must take a form suited to Africa’s unique realities.
Agho, who also runs the Ambrose Agho Empowerment and Welfare Initiative, emphasised that democratic governance should be motivated by service to the people, not personal gain.
“Democracy should be driven by public service and the needs of the population,” he said.
According to him, nations with strong, functional institutions naturally draw partnerships and investments that can boost economic and political development.
“You don’t need to beg organisations or governments to invest in such countries,” he noted. “They will willingly collaborate once they see credible institutions in place.”
