On selfless leadership versus a corrupt system (2)

Economies are built and developed by leaders who are well grounded in the art and craftsmanship, as well as the science of leadership. We can cite two Asian countries (the United Arab Emirate, UAE, that was developed by Sheikh Zayed; and Singapore, by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew), as classical examples to illustrate how visionary leaders plan, create wealth and develop their economies. In these two countries, for instance, their leaders put in their best – potentials, abilities and skills –  into proper use for economic growth and national development). With their leadership qualities being their principal instruments, they exhibited management skills by rightly deploying their national policies on economic affairs and planning in the positive direction. They motivated the entire citizenry to patriotically key in and make their own contributions towards nation building. As primary responsibility for this group of leaders, they selflessly influence and guide the general public/their followers/their nationals to leverage on their innovative skills (especially those in the youths bracket) on entrepreneurship in breaking new grounds for wealth creation through “inspiration”, “encouragement” and “empowerment”. Their effective leadership models were implemented to fetch excellent performances that led to their respective national greatness in terms of economic growth and their very successful societal developments because they never lived for their own selfish desires.

In Nigeria, a portion of the national anthem prophetically testifies that the “the labours of our heroes past, shall never be in vain”. That statement is a testimony to our political fathers who tirelessly and collectively fought for our independence from the British colonial masters that was gained in 1960. They did much in making sure that the nation was properly and solidly built for sustainable economic growth, to have sound social development (especially in the educational and the health sectors), and political advancement (through a well balanced democratically elected government, with parliamentary system and the judiciary) for the nation. The dividends from good governance for the citizens became the major focus of these compatriots in all aspects of public service, for equitable sharing as enshrined in the 1963 Constitution (with equal opportunities, in fairness to all federating units and ethnic nationalities within the Federal Republic). At the onset, there was satisfactory expression for communal interests of all concerned/stakeholders initiated in their respective regions, with enthused zeal to progressively and corporately perform better than each other’s regions, to the ultimate advantage of the nation’s collective economic life, through her citizens’ daily commercial activities. The Awolowos, Azikiwes and Abubakars who are still being celebrated, stood out for selfless leadership in their days, of which the footprints of servanthood are still visible in the three regions of Nigeria (although their style of sacrificial leadership, act of stewardship for future vitality in a nation, has since been eroded by the present day leaders in the country).

However, that sure foundation on which the nation was founded shall definitely be rediscovered through the future generations of younger leaders in the country, based on the premise that the daily confessions of the national anthem being regularly recited and chanted as well, would surely suffice someday (‘their labours can never be in vain’). The economy of the nation, which is presently on a cliff edge (due to the bad governance of our contemporary leadership), can still be revamped through the actions and interventions of a future selfless, servant leadership that facilitates the successes of other people. This they did by showing them the right path to success for tomorrow (so, no hope is presently lost).

In the present corrupt system where nothing works, future leaders are expected to spring up and fill up the gap; to selflessly feel the heartbeats of vulnerable Nigerians (with listening ears and understanding, appreciate situations of the masses, empathise and give them in return, honest and constructive feedback). It is only under such circumstances that they can positively impact all other individuals; as selfless leaders always poised to boldly counter the systemic corruption that is endemic in the operative space.

Any country that is unfortunately designated or has been labelled as corrupt among the comity of nations is, of course, carrying a social tag, full of reproaches that generally blow ill wind against her citizens (in virtually every known human relations circles, globally). It is therefore, pertinent that nationals of any particular nation should always conduct, comport and carry themselves as responsible citizens in all their social interactions, whenever they relate with peoples of other nationals in both official capacity and their private lives. Citizens represent their countries as “ambassadors” (worthily or shamefully alike) based on their actions that either proudly dignify or bring disgrace.

A corrupt system shall always reject a good leader that is selfless, based on social-behavioural incompatibility of moral-values full, because it is driven by dishonest practices (bribery, wickedness, crooked and depraved mindset, debased character lacking integrity), in virtually every aspect of their socio-economic life; and even in the social contract with the people that should corporately impact positively on the whole country’s economy.

• business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com