Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has said that the symbolic monument at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda is a focal point in renewed conversations around governance and national renewal in Nigeria.
In a post on his social media page, Olawepo-Hashim highlighted the significance of the monument, which was presented on December 9, 2019, by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Paul Kagame in recognition of Rwanda’s performance in the fight against corruption.
At the time of the presentation, Rwanda ranked 4th in Africa in anti-corruption efforts and has since improved to 3rd, reinforcing its growing reputation for institutional discipline and accountability.
Olawepo-Hashim noted that Rwanda’s transformation—from the devastation of the Rwandan Genocide to a stable and forward-looking state—offers a compelling lesson for African countries seeking renewal.
According to him, nations inevitably face periods of crisis that can threaten to erase past achievements, but disciplined and visionary leadership can drive recovery and progress.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, the former presidential candidate recalled a time when the country commanded global respect for integrity and professionalism.
He cited the example of renowned jurist Akinola Aguda, who served as Chief Justice of Botswana, as evidence of Nigeria’s once-strong institutional reputation.
He stressed that such a legacy remains relevant and can be rebuilt, noting that Rwanda’s experience demonstrates that national restoration is possible when leadership aligns with accountability and collective purpose.
However, he noted that while the path to national renewal may be challenging, it remains achievable through sustained commitment and action.
