2027: Adeyemi calls for national dialogue on economic growth

Senior Pastor of DayStar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has asked Nigerians to demand a national discussion focused on growing the economy.

Adeyemi made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, obtained by The PUNCH.

According to him, a properly convened national dialogue would allow citizens, leaders and stakeholders to agree on a common vision, particularly one focused on building a functional and developed economy.

“Citizens must demand a national discussion. We must collectively and consistently ask: where exactly is Nigeria going? Let us demand it before the elections. Let’s demand it during the elections. Let’s demand it after the elections.”

The cleric asked leaders in Nigeria across the spectrum to formulate a national goal plan to reposition and develop the country’s economy.

According to the statement, Adeyemi stressed that electoral processes alone could not guarantee meaningful development without alignment with long-term national goals.

He said, “Anything short of a clear national vision for Nigeria to become a developed economy is a waste of everyone’s time,” warning that recurring elections without direction would continue to fall short of expectations.

While acknowledging the importance of elections in a democratic system, he argued that they must be supported by strong institutional frameworks and clearly articulated objectives.

“Change is difficult at every level, whether individual, organisational, or national.

“Two things are essential: goals and systems. Goals provide direction, but it is systems – the structures, habits, and governing principles – that produce results,” he said.

The cleric described Nigeria’s current condition as troubling, citing hardship and insecurity as signs of deeper structural failures across governance and social systems.

He noted that without a shared national direction, leadership changes alone would not yield different results.

Adeyemi also highlighted the potential contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their exposure to working systems abroad could provide practical insights into national development.

On societal attitudes, he warned against what he termed “cultural cowardice,” urging citizens to reject limiting beliefs and embrace responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

He added that many of the country’s challenges were rooted in structural deficiencies, calling for comprehensive reforms, including a review of foundational governance frameworks.

“National development is a shared responsibility. Citizens must demand direction, and leaders must supply development,” he said.