NIGERIA AT 59: THE WAY FORWARD
It is often said that, “hard times make great men, great men create good times”. It would not be unlikely to say that Nigeria is witnessing troubled times. People are crying and lamenting about different plight and it seems the governments are not sensitive or responsive to the masses, but can we blame them? How much can they do?
To grapple with the situation bedevilling the country, we must first of all change our narratives of the concept of leadership and power. An average Nigerian sees leadership as having an exalted position and power, as having undue advantage for selfish gains. The concept of hard work and delayed gratification now lies in a silent limbo, and everyone is trying to employ quick means that are often detrimental.
What really then is leadership and power? “Leadership” is characterised by selfless service that leaves a blueprint. “Power” on the other hand is basically influence and when used wrongly, it only causes chaos. We tend to think that only political office holders could be regarded as leaders, which is not even slightly true. We complain about the country; government and economy. What efforts have we made to improve the status quo?
Rather than sit down bemoaning, we may not wield absolute power but we have the power to affect our immediate environment through contributions that may seem insignificant; contributions such as keeping our environments clean, supporting the less privileged, creating jobs and abiding by the rule of law. All of these and more can go a long way to improve our standards of living and reputation as a nation. Nigerians should not always wait for government interventions to get certain things done. Tony Elumelu, CEO of UBA, is a great example of a leader with monumental impact. He empowers over a thousand Africans through his foundation, annually. You may not have to do what he has done, but what have you been able to do within your capacity? Have you not wondered why some politicians get traumatised over losing an election? To them it is not a call to service but a call to affluence, so such losses would be considered as a missed opportunity for selfish gains.
To narrow it down, the little efforts we make to cause a progressive change within our society are reflective of a true leader. Therefore, we are the government, each and every one who sees service to country as a duty and not a burden that only a few should bear. You do not have to be in an elective position to bring about change. It is high time we see leadership as what we can give rather than what we can get.
I do not condemn having political aspirations, because it is also our duty to take elective positions if we feel we are most suitable for it. But we should not feel that winning elections or getting appointments are the only ways we can help build a better society. Nigeria would always be our country and we are left with an option to make it or mar it by our actions or inactions. Lance Momodu Jnr, reallancespeaks@gmail.com