African leaders have proposed reforms that could galvanize the continent’s development landscape by rejigging the recruitment process for electing leaders.

They spoke yesterday at the 2024 Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation with the theme: “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development” in Benin City, Edo State.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Olubayi Olubayi (chief academic officer Maarifa Education Holding and chairman, University Council, Cavendish, University of Kenya), challenged African leaders to fund research and innovative technology.

He also sued for special attention to be given to science education and the creation of special schools for gifted and most talented children in Africa where privileged and underprivileged children can live their dreams.

Former presidents of the Republic of Benin, Thomas Boni Yayi, Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, sued for the deepening of democratic governance and leadership in Africa.

At the same time, Nigeria’s minister of education, Prof Tahir Mamman, highlighted some achievements of President Bola Tinubu-led government, including providing education for two million out-of-school-children from over 18 million out-of-school children in the past two months in Nigeria through deliberate policies of the government.

In his remarks, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, charged African leaders to walk the talk and confront the monster created by out-of-school children, insecurity and poverty, that have ravaged most parts of Nigeria.

Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, showered encomium on the convener of the dialogue, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan over his “singular decision that averted what would have been a major calamity in the 2015 Presidential election”.

Oba Ewuare II whose goodwill message on the occasion was presented by his daughter, Princess (Mrs) Ikuoyemwen Ewuare II Aimiuwu, held that there is a point of convergence between democratic values which the dialogue seeks to promote.

The traditional ruler stated that democracy and traditional institutions are expressions of the inalienable will of the people. He said rather than being in conflict or competition with each other, democratic institutions that are mutually reinforcing should reflect the core values of the people in principle and practice.

Oba Ewuare II also urged the Foundation to sustain the dialogue to deepen democratic values in the continent at the event which featured a panel of discussion and special recognition of contributions of some African leaders.

In his welcome remarks on the occasion, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State admitted that Africa is lagging behind in education and governance. He said the continent is at a crossroads; however, with the concerted effort of stakeholders, Africa will rise again.