A former Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, has said Nigeria’s major problem is not corruption but indiscipline, noting that better discipline in the management of public resources would significantly reduce graft.
Gatekeepers News reports that Jedy-Agba made the remarks in Abuja during the signing of his memoir, Grace Unspeakable, where he reflected on his life journey, leadership experiences, and lessons from public service.
According to him, many governance failures in the country stem from a lack of discipline among public officials in handling funds and responsibilities.
“Our problem in Nigeria is not corruption. Our problem is indiscipline. If you are disciplined enough to know that you should not tamper with public funds, you will not tamper with public funds.
“If you are given money to do something, do that thing. Don’t syphon it for personal use. Take that public money and use it to make progress for society,” he said.
The former minister also urged Nigerians to stop celebrating wealth whose sources are questionable.
“Today we celebrate thieves and rogues. Once we see a rich person, we don’t care how the money was made but you can make money from hard work instead of stealing. You can still give your best without being corrupt.”
Reflections on Leadership, Mentorship
Speaking on leadership and personal values, Jedy-Agba emphasised the importance of mentorship and moral guidance in shaping character.
“I came from a peasant community. My parents and my community taught me that if you work hard, you will reap the reward. Those lessons moulded me.”
He explained that he wrote the memoir to share experiences that shaped his life and inspire younger generations to embrace integrity, resilience, and hard work.
“Life is not measured by the certainty of our plans but by our resilience when fate interrupts them. Every interruption is a lesson that should make us emerge stronger and more determined to fulfil our purpose.
“Life is a journey. It is like a pilgrimage. In every journey there are jokes, banters, stories and experiences; good, bad and ugly. I have had so many experiences in life and I felt the best thing to do was to give back by sharing them so others can learn.”
Jedy-Agba also described wisdom as a priceless asset that shapes character and leadership.
“Wisdom is a gift from above. If you have wisdom, it is an asset beyond quantification. It makes you brilliant, exposed and God-fearing.”
Near-Death Experience and Healthcare Concerns
Recounting a near-death experience that nearly resulted in the amputation of his arm, the former minister said seeking a second medical opinion saved him.
“When I got to the hospital, the doctor said he was going to amputate my arm. I was 56 years old then and it would have affected me psychologically.
“When I later sought treatment in Germany, I realised the importance of having a second opinion and having the fighting spirit. If I didn’t have that determination, I would have lost my arm.”
He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting the country lacks sufficient diagnostic capacity.
Power Sector Still Has Potential
Jedy-Agba said the power sector still holds promise despite ongoing challenges, stressing the need for consistent investment and prompt payment for gas supplied to generation companies.
“There is hope in the power sector. The problem I hear now is that they don’t have gas because the gas producers were not paid. If you pay for gas, they will give you gas and you generate power. That is the basic thing.”
He also acknowledged the role mentorship played in his life, particularly from Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, whom he credited with helping shape his discipline and values.
“Mentorship is key. People helped mould me into the person I became. Those lessons prepared me for leadership roles,” he said.
In his remarks, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, said the memoir comes at a time when Nigeria needs strong moral direction.
“This is what Nigeria requires at this point in time when our moral compass is neither here nor there and people see wealth and glamour as the ultimate goal,” he said.
Hadejia praised Jedy-Agba for maintaining integrity during his time in public office, adding that the book would serve as a guide for younger Nigerians.
“When you see someone who had all the opportunities in high office but maintained his decorum and focused on service, that is something that should be celebrated.
“I think his life and his book will be a good reference point for young people to know that you can still give your best without being corrupt or irresponsible.
“One common thread about people like Jedy-Agba is that they never forget where they came from, and they always remember that life and positions are temporary.”
