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Nigerian economist Pat Utomi has stated that the country’s fortunes will improve when individuals of integrity hold positions of power.

Utomi emphasized that Nigeria has the human capital necessary for greatness.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the professor expressed concern over the decline of culture and values in the country, attributing it to the breakdown of institutions.

He said, “Ultimately, values shape human progress. When we have values and people of character and commitment to service are in positions of public authority, our country will turn around,” Utomi said on the programme.

“We have the ingredients, the human capital that it takes to show the way.”

Speaking further, Utomi argued that no country can make real progress without strong institutions, including the judiciary, and the electoral body among others.

He stated that Nigeria’s judiciary is a laughing stock, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is weak.

“The biggest challenge we have is that culture is in collapse in Nigeria, values shape human progress. How do we get a values revolution? Institutions are critical for human progress if we can commit to building stronger institutions that push back on people who do not do right and the rule of law is fully in place.

“Look at our judiciary, it is a laughing stock – no country can make real progress without a judiciary that you can rely on. Look at our other institutions whether it is INEC or others, they are weak.

“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions and that we have values that really ensure that character matters and that people of character can show a light? We can do it, I am absolutely confident because I have seen it happen in human history,” he added.