Humility is defined as
the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance. Words that are
considered synonymous include humbleness, meekness, diffidence and
unassertiveness. We are well aware of the perils of hubris, we are taught from
an early age that pride comes before a fall, but is there not an inherent
tension, or indeed contradiction, between being truly humble and being a
leader? How does humility square up with leadership? Is there a place for
humility in the practice of leadership? And can a truly effective leader be
truly humble?
Too many people remain
enamoured by the view that leadership is really about control, but in fact
great leaders demonstrate again and again their humility by influencing,
inspiring loyalty and providing support. They do so however from positions that
are not necessarily to the fore. In fact they lead from behind, putting others
in front especially when there are things to be celebrated and then only coming
to the fore when there are dangers to be confronted.
A humble leader does not
create class of association; he wines and dines with the low and high with no
sense of red lines in class. Every humble leader is a practitioner of servant
leadership which is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of
individuals, builds better governance and ultimately creates a more just and
caring world. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being
of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional
leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at
the “top of the pyramid", servant leadership is different. The
servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people
develop and perform as highly as possible.
Senator Okowa
was born at Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local
Government Area of Delta State. He attended Edo College, Benin City (1970–1976), and then went on
to the University
of Ibadan where
he studied Medicine and Surgery, graduating in 1981 with an MBBS degree. After
leaving the National Youth Service Corps, he worked
with the Bendel State Hospitals Management Board as a Medical Officer. He
entered private practice as Director, Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke in 1986.
Throughout his political career, the noble
gentleman has brought in his peaceful and humble disposition to play and this
has also become a stabilizing factor for the administrations he has been part
of and the entire Delta State political polity.
Majority of those who
know him have described him as a personification of wisdom and humility. He
assumes the peace ambassadorial role of ensuring there is unity and peace among
the political class in the State. His soft words are able to drop swords
from the hands of the youth and bitterness from the minds of the leaders. Throughout the campaigns across the State, it
was peace and growing confidence from the people of the Areas to the Peoples’
Democratic Party.
Senator Okowa has
displayed sterling leadership qualities. Like a good fruit, it is expected he
will receive sticks and pokes from cynics and critics but all we see is a
glowing example of humility and an ambassador of peace.
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