DELSU Convocation: Dafinone Urges Youths To Build Systems For National Growth

Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, Ede Dafinone, has called on Nigerian youths to prioritise discipline, innovation and institution-building as drivers of sustainable development, warning that the country risks wasting its vast potential if capacity was not turned into productivity.

Dafinone made this appeal while delivering the convocation lecture titled “Harnessing Nigeria’s Potential: Strategies for Sustainable Development” at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

Speaking to the graduating class of 2026, the lawmaker described Nigeria as “one of the most gifted nations on the face of the earth,” but expressed concern that, despite its abundant human and natural resources, the country continues to grapple with poverty, unemployment, weak institutions and poor infrastructure.

Raising what he termed “the Nigerian question,” Dafinone asked: “Why does potential, so broadly distributed across the nations of the earth, translate into productivity so unevenly?” He maintained that the country’s core challenge lies not in a shortage of talent, but in the absence of strong systems that can harness and sustain productivity.

He noted that Nigeria boasts over 37 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, expansive arable land, solid mineral deposits and a vibrant youth population with significant intellectual capacity. Yet, he said, many citizens remain in extreme poverty, while skilled professionals continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities.

Describing this disconnect as “the Nigerian paradox,” Dafinone warned that the opportunity for transformation is shrinking as other nations advance technologically and economically.

“The question is not whether Nigeria will eventually develop,” he said. “The question is whether this generation will be the one that turns our potential into productivity, the promise into performance, the abundance into prosperity.”

He emphasised that a major development setback for Nigeria is the tendency to equate “potential” with “productivity.”

Dafinone also cautioned against what he described as a “dangerous narrative of inadequacy,” stressing that the country’s challenges should not be interpreted as a reflection of citizens’ abilities.

“The moment a people internalise a narrative of inadequacy, they stop doing the hard, unglamorous, patient work of building institutions and systems,” he said.

According to him, sustainable development cannot be achieved through rhetoric or one-off initiatives, but requires consistent and disciplined efforts over time.

“Sustainable development is not an event. It is not a policy announcement, a budget presentation, or a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is repeated, disciplined, institutionally reinforced behaviour sustained across multiple administrations and generations,” he stated.

Drawing comparisons with countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Botswana and Rwanda, Dafinone said their progress was anchored on deliberate investments in human capital and efficient institutions.

“Systems are more powerful than individuals,” he said, adding that “a talented person in a broken system will produce broken results.”

On global trends, the senator pointed to artificial intelligence and the knowledge economy as opportunities for Nigeria to bypass traditional development constraints. He referenced the global achievements of Nigerians like Shola Akinlade, Ezra Olubi, Davido, Wizkid, Tems and Burna Boy as evidence of the country’s competitive talent when properly supported.

“AI does not fix weak institutions. It does not pave roads,” he cautioned. “But for individuals, it is a genuine amplifier of capability.”

He advised graduates to focus on critical thinking, intellectual growth and lifelong learning, noting a shift in hiring practices.

“The graduates who will distinguish themselves in the next decade are those who understand that formal education was not the finish line but the starting block,” he said.

Addressing the increasing “japa” trend, Dafinone acknowledged the realities pushing many young Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad, but urged them not to abandon the country entirely.

“Nigeria needs you here,” he said. “Not only some of you, not only the ones who cannot get a visa, but many of you, the best of you, the most capable and the most courageous, need to stay and fight for this country from within.”

He further criticised the country’s weak implementation culture, noting that while ideas are abundant, execution often falls short.

“We are extraordinarily gifted at imagining and articulating the future we want,” he said. “We are less consistently gifted at the unglamorous, iterative, detail-oriented work of building it, brick by brick.”

Dafinone concluded by urging the graduates to remain disciplined, guard their focus in an age of digital distractions, and commit to integrity, excellence and continuous self-improvement.

“The potential is yours. It has always been yours, each of you individually, and all of us collectively as a nation,” he said. “The productivity, what you do with that potential, how consistently, how disciplined, how long, that is the decision still to be made.”

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, praised the senator’s lecture as insightful and reflective of Nigeria’s realities, noting that it also provided practical directions for national development.

He encouraged the graduating students to internalise the lessons shared and apply them as they transition into the next stage of their lives.