A U.S.-based retired Nigerian Army Major, Ambrose Agho, has urged African leaders to promote democracy by providing good governance.

Agho said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The retired army major said the continent was blessed with numerous natural resources and almost free from natural disasters, adding that “the only thing required is good leadership.”

Speaking against the backdrop of recent unhealthy developments in some African countries, he noted that “Africa is blessed, but it desires good leadership for rapid development.”

“It only needs leadership and governance that guarantee the well-being of the people and enable the continent’s socio-political and economic impact to be felt globally,” he added.

He further emphasised the importance of practicing a form of democracy that aligned with Africa’s unique environment.

Agho, also a philanthropist and founder of the Ambrose Agho Empowerment and Welfare Initiative, said, ‘’Democracy must be propelled by public service and the needs of the people.”

According to him, countries with functional institutions easily attract partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, which help drive economic growth and political development.

“You do not need too much persuasion for governments and organisations to invest in or partner with such nations for progress and development,” he said.