BENIN CITY, Edo State — As part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, the International Friendship League (IFL) of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Edo South, on Friday day, June 12, organized a public discourse on “Leadership and Good Governance for Sustainable Development” at the Banquet Hall of Viewpoint Hotel, Ikpokpan GRA, Benin City.
The event brought together professionals, government officials, religious leaders, academics, and members of the public to examine the role of leadership and governance in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Dr. Godfrey Imuetinyan emphasized that effective leadership and good governance remain indispensable tools for national development. He described leadership as the ability to influence, inspire, guide, and encourage people toward achieving set goals, stressing that it is a social process built on direction, alignment, and commitment.
According to him, qualities such as emotional intelligence, integrity, adaptability, and effective communication are essential for successful leadership, regardless of whether the leadership style is democratic, autocratic, or laissez-faire.
Speaking on good governance, Pastor Imuetinyan explained that it involves the fair, transparent, and accountable management of public affairs and resources. He identified participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, inclusiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability as the core principles of good governance.
On sustainable development, the guest speaker noted that development must meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. He highlighted the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development and referenced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for addressing poverty, inequality, healthcare, education, and environmental challenges globally.
Examining Nigeria’s development trajectory, Pastor Imuetinyan lamented the country’s persistent governance challenges despite its vast natural and human resources. He identified corruption, poor planning and implementation, insecurity, illiteracy, weak institutions, ethnic and religious divisions, judicial failures, and overreliance on foreign economies as major obstacles to national development.
He called for institutional reforms, value reorientation, national rebirth, and the appointment of competent, visionary, and responsible leaders at all levels of government and society.
The keynote speaker further stressed that effective leadership and good governance remain the most viable solutions to poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure, educational decline, insecurity, and other socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.
During an interactive session, participants shared their perspectives on achieving sustainable development through quality leadership and responsible citizenship.
A Professor of Public Administration at the University of Benin, Prof. Ekhosuehi Oghator, observed that good leadership cannot be separated from good followership. He noted that citizens must actively participate in governance and contribute meaningfully to national discourse if democratic institutions are to function effectively.
Also speaking, Mrs. Osehobo Agatha Sonia of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Benin City, stressed the need to bridge the gap between leadership and the citizenry. She urged leaders to prioritize institutional reforms while encouraging citizens to actively engage in civic responsibilities and demand accountability from public office holders.
Providing a spiritual perspective, the Edo South Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Blankson Dudun, maintained that sustainable development and good governance can only thrive where leaders possess godly values and moral integrity.
Quoting from the Bible, he said the fear of God and adherence to divine principles are essential for building a peaceful and prosperous society. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, and other social vices, attributing them largely to a decline in moral values and respect for the rule of law.
Pastor Dudun called on Nigerians to embrace righteousness, repentance, and personal accountability before God, insisting that lasting development can only be sustained through moral and spiritual transformation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Edo South International Friendship League, Pastor Dr. Ojo Kennedy, described Democracy Day as a time for national reflection and renewed commitment to democratic ideals.
He explained that the International Friendship League was established by the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, PST Dr. WF Kumuyi as a non-denominational fellowship aimed at reaching professionals, leaders, and people of influence with the gospel of Jesus Christ while promoting friendship, faith, fellowship, fruitfulness, and godly service.
Pastor Kennedy urged participants to embrace the values of responsible leadership, service, and positive societal influence, noting that the platform seeks to foster unity, spiritual growth, and national transformation.
The event also featured musical ministrations by the Deeper Life Choir and Orchestra, special prayers for Edo State and Nigeria, as well as testimonies from participants.
Many attendees described the programme as insightful, impactful, and timely, expressing appreciation to the organizers for creating a platform to discuss leadership, governance, and sustainable development as Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day.
The event concluded with participants expressing optimism for a better Nigeria driven by accountable leadership, responsible citizenship, and adherence to ethical and spiritual values.
