Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has charged political leaders in the country to build a relationship based on trust and integrity with the citizenry.

He said for true development to be achieved, “leaders must be trusted and if we want to run the country right, our first priority must be merit.”

“Truth on the part of a leader plays a critical role in the development and prosperity of Nigeria,” he stated.

Osinbajo made the remarks on Friday at a two-day economic and investment summit in Asaba, the capital of Delta State Nigeria.

The summit was organised by the Delta State government, as part of the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The Vice president stated: “I can tell you there is a dedication and honesty in developing this country by the leadership today.

“Because of that leadership, we can make this country great again. We have the best opportunity to ensure that.”

He added that the “Times we’re in require capacity to perform. Public officers must be held accountable for performance and this requires hiring best qualified.”

Osinbajo also said that there is need to ensure that the economy of the nation is built to adapt to the physical, social and technological trends of the present generation.

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaking to delegates at the event, emphasised the need to build a strong, robust and resilient economy.

Dignitaries that attended the summit include the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chukwuma Soludo among others.