“The pessimist complains about the wind while the optimist expects it to change but the leader adjusts the sails.” John Maxwell.
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. “A transformational leader” is very key and important for proper scrutiny which forms part of the requirements for the next set of leadership team that we seek to project in order to navigate us through this perilous time to the promised land. And given the mindlessness/calamitous leadership and the circumstances of our beloved nation Nigeria as well as the unfortunate events and the situations which is part of the reasons why the nation is drifting apart.
Leadership is everything because he guides, leads, motivates, encourages, directs and ensures that set objectives are achieved. Leaders also live exemplary lives and are ready to leave the scene if they realise that they have failed the people. They do not wait for the ballot box to resign because they have conscience. Leaders look for quality irrespective of religious leanings or ethnic group.
A great leader has the ability to inspire action through proper guidance, mentoring and uses their knowledge to educate others along the way. They also practice what they preach. The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not to bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have a good sense of humor, but not follies. He has zero tolerance for failure and does not care whose ox is gored.
Dissatisfaction affects the minds of people, their outputs, environment and everything else. Dissatisfaction threatenes general existence of people. Our compatriots home and abroad are in such a dilemma that is as a result of: gross incompetence, abuse of privileges, corruption and poor leadership leading to the situation of a once glorious and blessed nation turned to the officially designated poverty headquarters of the world. Sadly enough, we import everything to pencil and toothpick without exporting anything in return. And unfortunately, the naira which was the cynosure of all eyes in the recent past has become a rejected medium of exchange.
The worst form of corruption we have in Nigeria today is nepotism; when people get into positions by virtue of personal loyalty, friendship, tribal affinity and who they know, rather than what they can actually deliver by virtue of their competence for that position. It is sad and unacceptable for a system that is not working for all, to continue this way which naturally breeds mediocrity with square pegs in round holes.
This is the time for us as a blessed nation, with unimaginable magnitude of grace, resources, both natural and human per capita-to sit up and do a honest appraisal. We sure need to put on our thinking caps, and do away with plunderers who are only interested in the perks of office for their personal aggrandizement. We need to begin the process of identifying selfless and patriotic leadership who abound within and outside our shores to come in with their wealth of experience to revamp our economy and create an enabling environment where our teeming unemployed youths will find something profitable to do. If we don’t do that a whole generation of vibrant youths shall be wasted for a long time to come.
“LET MY PEOPLE GO”- Pharaoh refused to let them go because Egypt needed cheap labor, he did not recognize the Hebrew God, and his heart was hardened. Referendum is not acceptable; Restructuring no way; Self-determination he refused. What else is the way out?
THIS CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY AND DARKNESS WILL SURELY BE ROLLED AWAY LIKE THE MIRACLE OF RESURRECTION.
Richard Odusanya is the convener of the AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI
