The Word Café Podcast with Amax

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How can Nigeria unlock the potential of its youth and drive lasting economic growth? Join us on the World Cafe podcast as we welcome Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, a visionary inventor and entrepreneur with an extraordinary journey from Nigeria to the U.S., where he developed cutting-edge technology for the U.S. government and Apple. Prof. Ekekwe shares his insights into the significance of institutional integrity and the current political landscape in America, offering a unique perspective on equipping young Nigerians with the skills necessary for future leadership.

We dive into the pivotal role of institutions in fostering economic growth, using historical trends to illustrate how property rights and regulatory systems have driven prosperity in the U.S. and China. Shifting our focus to Nigeria, we explore the need for systemic improvements that can enable effective leadership. Prof. Ekekwe argues that Nigeria’s youth are ready to lead, but are hindered by a lack of proper institutions and rule of law, urging a focus on creating conducive environments for leadership and growth rather than seeking a "Messiah" leader.

Our conversation extends to the impact of pragmatic leadership on Nigeria’s economy, examining the detrimental effects of favoritism and lack of meritocracy. Prof. Ekekwe provides compelling examples of how legal manipulation and tribal biases stifle national progress, while highlighting the positive outcomes of merit-based systems. We conclude with a discussion on Nigeria's reliance on imports and the urgent need to nurture local industries for long-term competitiveness, showcasing transformative efforts like those in Aba under Governor Dr. Alex Oti. Tune in to gain valuable insights into building a brighter future for Nigeria through effective leadership and robust institutions.

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