Leadership Ability, Responsibility and Public Service are not merely a good thing – they are the warp and weft of advancement of prosperity! As leader sit at the top of their nations, they are meant to be a beacon that reminds us about virtue and give hope on positive changes. True leadership is not defined by power alone, but by the qualities that inspire and uplift a nation. Nigerian political leaders in whose hands the hopes of millions are entrusted have a heavy responsibility, which can only be assuaged through commitment to accountability, integrity and selfless public service. When the voice of our people form an echo chambers in the hallways of power we must remember that great quote from Nelson Mandela, “A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger”. This is leadership in a nutshell – talking, listening, and acting with honour.
One of the most important pillars in effective leadership is accountability requiring leaders to keep their word (the promises they made with voters). Abraham Lincoln words echo across time – “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” This is the message of hope which you, Nigerian political leaders must heed today; your word ought to be a solemn bond if your dear nation would have any future. During Election campaigns, a lot of promise improved infrastructure, better healthcare and enhanced educational opportunities were made . Politicians make these promises, and the people remember. They expect you to keep them. It pains to imagine that many of the office holder after seating pretty and wielding the topmost power in your respective states for eight years, Common treatment can elude you within the state where we ought to have witnessed a more advance healthcare facilities. A fact that necessitates you to seek medical treatment out of the country just means how bad health care in our community is. Consider the ordinary people who aren’t able to just ignore these problems or afford cures for them.
Said Education, always touted as the gateway to our nation’s future and in desperate need of your immediate consideration. In short, we need to spend the money on schools and teachers and resources every child is entitled to if he or she has a chance at life. It is significant that most of your children do not study in Nigeria but outside the country or more precisely British schools within the country. And reliance on foreign systems of education only underlines that we have done little or nothing to build our own.
The historical course of broken promises has played an important role in getting us to our current economy. For instance, the unkept promise for stable electricity supplies has hampered industrial growth and constraining economic advancement. These unrelenting public health crises result from failure to invest consistently in healthcare as many citizens are still devoid of basic medical services. Moreover, the failure to improve education infrastructure has meant that a generation of young people are not fully prepared for workforce needs in this day and age. Trust is a function of accountability and actions. It is time to Deliver on your Promises.
Look at the educational sector in Nigeria. Regardless of the many difficulties, leaders need to make courageous efforts in order for infrastructure to be improved and learning materials provided with higher salaries paying teachers. While on the grand scale these may be sitting in a micro-level effect, their removal will reverberate through lives of our students and educators. If you put education at the top of your agenda, it would show that one truly cares about the future of Nigeria and acknowledges that an educated population is a stimulus for a successful nation.
The Healthcare sector leaders must also work hard to provide adequate medical supplies, improve hospital facilities like cleanliness & hygiene levels and proper training for healthcare professionals. Those efforts may be behind the scenes, but they will translate into lives spared and a stronger nation.
Infrastructure Development is another must not to ignore segment. The building and up keeping of roads, bridges and public transportation systems are crucial to national expansion. Regardless of budget obligations and red tape, the commitment to enriching the lives on ordinary Nigerians will be demonstrated by leaders who champion these projects. Good infrastructure does not just mean being (nearly) on-the-go; it means enabling commerce, education and community.
Furthermore, the dedication to public service will provide a stark portrayal combating against corruption. Having dynamic leaders who are firmly on the side of eradicating corruption and show commitment to bringing a new era that is more meritocratic will push forward the beginning of an alternative type where constitutionality prevails over impunity, accountability drives society. In this way, they will gain the confidence of people and lay foundation for a developing economy.
One of the most critical problems in Nigeria today, is unemployment. Policies to promote entrepreneurship, attract investment and support small- and medium-sized enterprises should be the top priorities for leaders looking to create jobs. The mission of the leaders should be to create an environment conducive for business, in addition they can invest on vocational training programs that impart youth with high-level skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Unemployment solution is not just by giving jobs, it will be about restoring the dignity and hope of millions of Nigerians back home. When your people have jobs in a market where supply meets demand, the impact flows throughout an economy to create more stability and growth.
The road to greatness rocky. It is a labour of love, and it requires pinnacle dedication combined with effervescent empathy. It is a path that leaders must read carefully, for we are the trustees of our countries asset for we are the trustees of our country’s assets and protectors of its future. Nigerians needs a leader who gives direction, but we also expect inspiration and hope.
In the final words of chinua Achebe “leadership is not about the next election, it is about the next generation”. May the noble principles of leadership and service guide you Nigerian political leaders, remember the promises you made. In fulfilling them, youu ensure that every Nigerian benefit from your administration.
Shuaib Babatunde Adebayo (Optimistic) writes from Ikosi-isheri LCDA, Kosofe, Lagos.