Presidential Spokesperson, Sunday Dare, has said that sustainable nation building requires strong institutions, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship, stressing that governments alone cannot build a prosperous nation.
Dare stated this on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National Civil Leadership Summit organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, on the theme, “Challenges in Nation Building.”
Addressing religious leaders, academics and other stakeholders, Dare argued that Nigeria’s future would be shaped more by the strength of its institutions and the values of its citizens than by government policies alone.
According to him, institutions play a critical role in shaping citizens before governments can shape nations, while values and character ultimately determine the quality of leadership and governance.
He stressed that families, schools, churches, businesses and every Nigerian have vital roles to play in building a united, peaceful and prosperous country.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Jos and his education at Baptist High School, Dare said the institution instilled in him discipline, integrity, excellence and a commitment to service. He commended the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its longstanding contributions to national development through education, healthcare, leadership development and humanitarian services.
The Presidential Spokesperson noted that since the Baptist mission was established in Nigeria in 1850 by Thomas Jefferson Bowen, it has consistently demonstrated that nation building extends beyond politics and government.
Dare maintained that while infrastructure remains critical to national development, roads, bridges and other public projects alone cannot transform a nation.
“A great nation is built by producing visionary leaders, strengthening institutions and cultivating citizens who uphold integrity, discipline and service to the common good,” he said, describing leadership as stewardship rather than the mere exercise of power.
He urged leaders across both the public and private sectors to embrace transparency, accountability and policies that prioritise the long-term interests of the nation.
Drawing from his experience as former Chief of Staff to then Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, and now Presidential Spokesperson, Dare said every stage of his public service had reinforced the importance of deliberate policies, resilient institutions and courageous leadership.
He also defended the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging the temporary sacrifices they require while expressing confidence that the measures would create a more competitive economy capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and delivering long-term prosperity.
The Presidential Spokesperson challenged universities and other educational institutions to prepare young Nigerians for a technology-driven future by producing graduates who are innovative, ethically grounded and equipped to create employment through entrepreneurship, research and innovation.
He further described Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths, urging citizens to embrace unity, justice and equal opportunity as essential pillars for peace and sustainable national development.
Dare concluded by calling on Nigerians to place service above self-interest and work collectively to build stronger institutions for future generations.
He said history would judge the present generation not by the positions it occupied or the speeches it delivered, but by the institutions it strengthened, the opportunities it created and the values it upheld in laying the foundation for a more united, prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
