“When I went for a programme at one of the government Ministries in Abuja, Nigeria, the minister came late and when it was time to give his speech, he was reading about four pages of paper and it took him almost 30 minutes as if he was reading an epistle because he was reading and explaining.”
That was the story of Edward Okoye, who visited Nigeria from the United States of America, USA, to cover an event for the first time. He became frustrated and almost left but because he has to do the report, he endured to the last.
Okoye is just one of those people out there who are irritated by some Nigerian leaders who cannot do without reading speeches even just to give a vote of thanks.
Although, it has nothing to do with tribe, State or country but most Americans and some people from some parts of Europe are good at delivering their speeches without reading from the paper.
The trend is very common among politicians in Nigeria, even some of them read speeches from paper just to commission a project. It is so pathetic that they have become use to it. Only a few of them, give speeches without reading.
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo comes to mind. He can give speech for hours without reading. Other notable personalities are Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, just to mention a few. Late Prof. Dora Akunyili also falls into these category of people.
The likes of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Prof. Ben Ayade and Prof. Charles Soludo can also do the same but ever since they became governors, they were forced to be reading speeches. Although, sometimes, they give speeches without reading but they note down their points and only check it once in a while.
The worrisome aspect is that it is becoming a trend even in smaller gathering, schools or village meetings, people have adopted the reading of speeches culture. If it is possible, many politicians especially those who cannot express themselves will read speeches during campaigns.
Although, some people might argue that speeches are read in order not to be quoted wrongly, but throughout the tenure of former vice president, Osinbajo, there was no place where it was reported that he was misquoted.
Somebody might also claim that writing speeches is somebody’s duty, nobody is saying speeches should not be written or read but it should be brought to the minimal level.
Some school of thoughts are of the opinion that ability to speak without reading speeches should be one of the requirements to be considered for positions in the country. It seems to be one of the things the Americans consider before they vote any politician into office because the speech delivered without reading is what endear them to the people – the ability to speak and convince people.
Although their leaders read speeches once in a while but not every time they appear for function hence our politicians should start upgrading themselves and move from the level of reading speeches at every point in time to giving speeches without reading in order not to continue to bore people. By so doing, they will not only improve themselves but also save time for other relevant things.
