Richard Quest, anchorman of Cable News Network (CNN’s) ‘Quest Means Business’ and ‘Business Traveller’, says Nigeria ought to be among world leaders by now.
Quest, one of world’s famous media personality, has been in Lagos for the past one week to assess the state of the economy, progress made so far and the opportunities available for investors.
He lamented that Nigeria’s problems remain poor leadership and corruption.
At an interactive session with business editors at the weekend, Quest said “From my interactions, the response keep coming back about leadership in government, leadership in private business, etc.
“There is no shortage about entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Since my trip here, I have met people who are enthusiastic, ambitious, and aggressive in a nice way.
“However, corruption remains a challenge from my interactions with CEOs who says it is the first thing that should be addressed.
“Nigeria has got the potential to establish itself among global leaders. Every person I ask says corruption and leadership should be addressed.
“Of course, the western nations have been complicit in not dealing with corrupt African leaders who hid their loot abroad.
“The $50 million Ikoyi money is a good opportunity to put things right in Nigeria. I am leaving Nigeria optimistic. The young people I met on the streets are absolutely brilliant”
Quest charged journalists to continue to play their role in nation-building by keeping the leaders on their toes.
“It is the job of the media to report on corruption cases. Our job is to report it. It is not our job to solve it that is the job of the law enforcement agencies. CNN is famous today because it reports stories as it is without fear or favour.”
He said the governments in Nigeria and Africa needs to strengthen their institutions so that corrupt politicians and criminals cannot go scot free.
“In America, government officials when caught are sent to jail. Same should happen here.”
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