Leadership is often heralded as the cornerstone of development, yet in the Nigerian context, relying on leadership to drive progress has frequently proven disappointing. Political environments across the country stifle rational discourse, shrinking the pool of innovative and critical thinkers. Those capable of guiding societies towards meaningful progress have retreated, discouraged by the emboldened presence of bullies and semi-literates who dominate the political arena. In such a milieu, true development remains a myth, particularly when leaders themselves hold flawed notions of leadership.
A pervasive issue in Nigerian leadership is the prevalence of corrupt officials who lack vision and knowledge. Governance, for many politicians, is treated as a business venture where personal investment of money and time is expected to yield significant returns. This transactional, self-serving capitalist approach leads to despotism, kleptomania, and widespread corruption. Such leaders prioritize personal gain over public service, fostering environments where official corruption thrives.
Robert I. Rotberg, president of the World Peace Forum, underscores this bleak reality in his poignant article, "The Roots of Africa’s Leadership Deficit." He notes, "During the past three decades, roughly 90% of sub-Saharan African leaders have behaved despotically, governed poorly, eliminated their people’s human and civil rights, initiated or exacerbated existing civil conflicts, decelerated per capita economic growth, and proved corrupt." Rotberg's assessment highlights the systemic issues plaguing African leadership, where the majority of leaders fail to advance the interests of their nations and people.
By refusing to hold leaders accountable, societies inadvertently provide inept leaders with a convenient excuse for their shortcomings. This leniency perpetuates a cycle of failure, as leaders are not pressed to improve or rectify their missteps. To break this cycle, a radical shift in leadership mentality is required. Nigerian Society must demand and cultivate a model of servant leadership, where the primary motivation of leaders is a genuine desire to serve and contribute to development.
Servant leadership, characterized by a selfless commitment to the welfare of others, could be the key to Nigeria’s redemption. Leaders should embody servanthood, demonstrating that their drive to lead is rooted in a deep-seated desire to support and foster societal growth. This approach contrasts sharply with the prevailing self-serving governance, and could inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize public good over personal gain.
The path to true development across the country will necessitate a fundamental transformation in leadership. Political landscapes must be reformed to encourage rational discourse and critical thinking, while leaders must embrace a servant leadership model. Only through such comprehensive changes can Africa hope to overcome its leadership deficit and achieve sustainable development.
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