In a time when politics is often drowned in noise, empty promises and bitter partisanship, a refreshing wave of insight emerged at the latest Renewed Hope Global Virtual Conference held on July 5, 2025. Led by the dynamic and articulate Barrister J.K. Adebola, the session served as a clarion call to move beyond hype and focus squarely on hope, substance and sustainable progress.
This global dialogue featured voices from across continents, particularly from Nigeria’s diaspora, united by a shared vision: to hold leadership accountable, spotlight achievements and challenge lapses constructively. While it is impossible to name every speaker, a few contributions stood out as representative of the rich, passionate discourse.
Lighting Up the Nation, Progress in Power Sector: One participant highlighted a milestone often overshadowed by louder headlines: the addition of 2,000 megawatts to Nigeria’s power grid under the current administration. Though modest when viewed globally, it represents tangible progress in the government’s drive for energy sufficiency. This achievement, however, was also criticized for being underreported—a point that resonated throughout the conference.
The Information Gap, Let the People Know: From Russia, Engr. Jones Ajimijere commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his administration’s efforts but criticized the lack of effective communication. “Nigerians need to know what is being done in their name,” he said. Echoing his views, another participant insisted that communication should not be left solely to the Ministry of Information nor Presidency especially President spoke persons. Rather, every ministry, agency, state and local government must actively publicize their initiatives, ongoing, completed, or conceptualized projects so that citizens can stay informed and take advantage of government programs.
Student Loans and Public Trust: The conversation also addressed concerns over transparency in key intervention programs, especially the student loan scheme. While some participants shared positive personal experiences, many others expressed skepticism, citing a general distrust in the integrity and efficiency of public agencies. The consensus: the government must do more to restore public confidence through transparency, accessibility and accountability.
National Orientation need to do more: Engr. Bola Babarinde, speaking from South Africa, brought attention to the core responsibilities of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). He urged the agency to return to its true mandate, reorienting Nigerians on values, civic duty and patriotism, while allowing designated institutions to handle public information dissemination.
He didn’t stop there. He openly criticized the culture of waste in governance, particularly the excessive use of convoys and the abuse of citizens’ rights on public roads by officials and their escorts. “Government officials covering their plate numbers and harassing citizens,” he said, “is reminiscent of the military era and should be thoroughly investigated and corrected.” His call was clear: leadership must reflect humility, not intimidation.
Investing in Nigerians, Not Just Foreigners: On economic development, Babarinde made a compelling case for strategic investment in local innovators and inventors. He warned against the habitual preference for foreign contractors, emphasizing that only Nigerians can truly build Nigeria. He urged governments at all levels to prioritize Research and Development (R&D) and implement strict deterrents against corruption in this area when grant are given it must be judiciously expended. “Foreigners come to siphon, not to save,” he warned.
Diaspora as Conscience of the Nation: Concluding the conference, Barrister J.K. Adebola emphasized the need for deeper diaspora engagement in national affairs. He described diaspora members as the “conscience of the party” and “true friends of Mr. President”, people with global exposure, patriotic intentions and zero interest in looting. Their expertise, he noted, is a critical but underutilized asset in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The July 5th session was more than a conference, it was a mirror reflecting both Nigeria’s potential and its pains. From power sector progress to public distrust, from accountability to national pride, the voices were unified in a single demand: real governance that works for the people.
The Renewed Hope Global community may be virtual, but the ideals discussed are concrete. With ongoing engagement from citizens at home and abroad, hope can rise above hype and Nigeria can indeed move closer to the dream of a better, fairer and stronger nation.
By Bello Akinwumi Yakub – Parrot Reporters
