Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has stressed the importance of collaboration, persistence, and the creation of an enabling environment in fostering socio-economic change in Nigeria. This message was delivered during his keynote address at the unveiling of a new book titled It is imPOSSIBLE: Influencing Change in Nigeria, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
In his speech, Osinbajo highlighted the significance of collective efforts in driving meaningful change. He remarked, “The reality of bringing about real change is humbling, and anyone who speaks about change should consider the fact that it takes a rigorous process. It is hardly possible as a solo enforcer—collaboration and synergy are needed.” He further elaborated that enduring change almost always requires “an ecosystem of like-minds.”
He urged for the creation of such ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the roles others play in the process of change. “Understanding the role that others will play is as important as well, and we must be open to diverse roles and players. This is an important lesson for many successful attempts at change,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic challenges, Osinbajo expressed optimism about the possibility of influencing positive change, but warned of the risks of neglecting intentional change. “Perhaps the most critical thing about change,” he noted, “is that if we do not intentionally and positively seek to influence change, there will be change anyway, but the change could be disastrous.”
Commending the author, Udo Jude Ilo, Osinbajo praised the book’s contributions to the growing discourse on change management in Nigeria. “This primer on influencing change is an important contribution to the growing body of knowledge on instigating, implementing, and managing change. It takes on the huge challenge of explaining these processes in Nigeria. I recommend it to all,” he said.
Muskilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Operating Officer of Premium Times, delivered the Publisher’s address, acknowledging the difficulties faced by Nigerians, and the necessity for tools to navigate these challenges. “No doubt, things are very difficult in Nigeria at this point, if not over the past decades,” Mojeed remarked, “which has made many to keep thinking and acting in ways that could resolve much of these difficulties, which makes the business of change very crucial and important.”
Mojeed continued by highlighting the importance of the book as a guide for those looking to influence change. “This is the knowledge that Jude Ilo has put before us in this book. At Premium Times, we are proud to be associated with Jude Ilo for deeming us fit to publish this book on his behalf. It is a model and roadmap that is essential to all students, scholars, agents, and practitioners.”
He also affirmed the commitment of Premium Times to continue publishing works that provide valuable insights into Nigeria’s challenges. “At Premium Times, we are on a mission to keep publishing books that continually give you knowledge on important aspects of our lives, and which will continue to serve as crucial resources for engaging with our issues and experiences. It is all about forcing the inner capacity to keep making change possible,” Mojeed concluded.
The book review was delivered by Frank Nweke, Chairman and Founder of Kunie Foundation. He acknowledged the timeliness of the book, especially in light of the prevailing economic hardship faced by Nigerians. “This book has come at the right time, particularly as Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship,” Nweke said.
Nweke stressed that meaningful change must focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens, especially those in rural communities. “Our work must improve the lives of ordinary citizens in rural communities and the most vulnerable in society. For it to be meaningful and sustainable, every act of development must have a local bearing,” he emphasized.
The event served as a platform to discuss the pressing need for change in Nigeria and how intentional efforts, backed by collaboration and the right environment, can lead to positive transformation in the country.
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