By Samuel Ogude
One time Counsellor representing Olomu I Ward 04 in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Rt Hon (Prince) Kenneth Ejogbamu Ogbon, JP has been appointed as Delta Central Coordinator of a Political Pressure Group known as Soft Nigeria. Rt. Hon (Prince) Ogbon, a grassroots politician from Delta who later became Deputy Leader of the Legislative Arm has also worked as Manager of Olomu Royal Company Limited, where he oversaw business operations.
In a statement, the group said Soft Nigeria as a political pressure group, is a nationwide ideological movement that focuses on the building of a better nation through people- oriented values and not relying solely on government’s policies. On the state of the nation, Ogbon said, Nigeria is at critical turning adding that, while President Bola Tinubu’s deforms are laying foundation for growth, sustainable growth much depends on the citizens’ mindset and leadership values.
His words “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has begun taking bold steps in infrastructural development and economic restructuring, laying foundations that, if sustained, could position the country for long-term growth”. According to him, government’s key actions which include infrastructure expansion, fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, and renewed focus on revenue generation saying, these are necessary but difficult decisions if the nation must move forward.
He said, if current reforms are sustained, Nigeria could witness a stronger economic base, improved infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and increased global competitiveness but however, stressed that the reforms only be achievable with integrity in leadership and active cooperation from citizens. According to him, policies can create structure, but only values can sustain it as policies without humanity become oppressive, while patriotism without humanity becomes blind loyalty.
His words: “These are hard decisions that may cause short-term pain but aimed at long-term stability. However, policies alone cannot build a nation. People, mindsets, and values do.” Ogbon said, Soft Nigeria is built on two pillars – humanity and patriotism – which he said, are essential for effective leadership and national transformation. His words: “Soft Nigeria is not just a movement; it is an ideology builds on humanity—putting people first—and patriotism—putting Nigeria above self-interest.”
The Delta Central Co-ordinator of the body said, the current economic hardship, rising cost of living, weak institutions, and distrust between citizens and leadership, among other challenges in the country gave rise for the movement. He therefore called for the development of responsible citizens who think beyond ethnic and religious divides, act with integrity, and prioritize service. His words: “Members must think beyond tribe and religion, Nigeria first, always. Leadership is responsibility, not privilege. “According to him, the adoption of humanity and patriotism would help rebuild trust in government, reduce corruption, strengthen institutions, and promote inclusive growth.
He therefore called on Nigerians across all sectors to embrace the ideals of the movement and contribute to national development. His words: “Nigeria will not change overnight, but Nigeria will change when Nigerians change. Soft Nigeria is calling on all Nigerians to act with humanity and lead with patriotism.”