Leader of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said Nigeria can only succeed if development is driven from the grassroots through secure, productive, and self-reliant communities.
Adebayo made the remarks in Numan, Adamawa State, during a ceremony organised in his honour following the conferment of a traditional title by the Bachama Kingdom.
While addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents, he described the Bachama nation as an integral part of Nigeria, stressing that the destiny of every community is directly tied to that of the country.
“The development of this land is the development of Nigeria because Nigeria is not just an idea; it is the land and the people,” he said.
He described Numan and its surrounding communities as a “paradise entrusted to the people,” urging citizens to take responsibility for cultivating their land, sharing resources fairly, and building families in peace and dignity.
Adebayo criticised what he described as excessive centralisation of governance, arguing that attempts to build the nation first from Lagos and later from Abuja had not delivered the desired results.
“The only time Nigeria will truly work is when we build the nation from our communities,” he said, adding that national progress should be measured by the safety of families, access to quality education, and the ability of young people to grow and thrive without fear.
He emphasised that genuine development should enable families to farm, raise livestock peacefully, educate their children, and contribute meaningfully to the economy while remaining in their local communities.
While drawing comparisons with countries such as the United States, Germany, and Russia, Adebayo noted that strong nations are built on communities where citizens enjoy access to electricity, clean water, security, and economic opportunities.
He therefore called for a Nigeria where citizens would no longer be forced to leave their ancestral homes in search of survival in major urban centres.
