Tag: leadership

Continental Builders Called the African Youth

Continental Builders Called the African Youth

When I was contacted by an advocacy group, The Reformers, to join an online panel session on International Youth Day 2020 (12 August), I wondered why anyone would want to hear me talk about “The Role of African Youths in Building the Africa We Want”. Accepting their request laid the foundation for today’s article, which draws from my research and thoughts about the issues, blended with insights from other panellists and participants.

Continue reading “Continental Builders Called the African Youth” →
Shackles of Independence

Shackles of Independence

Two centuries ago, Brigham Young said that “True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right.” Those words are as true as the knowledge that the earth is spherical. Whereas some persons view independence as being free to do whatever they like however they like, such persons have a myopic view that points to immaturity. When one is truly independent is when one comes to appreciate that independence implies a responsibility to do the right thing. It is the Nigerian state’s inability to understand this logic that has kept it in shackles for fifty-six years. Continue reading “Shackles of Independence” →

Seat Fillers or Potential Legacies?

Seat Fillers or Potential Legacies?

In a hierarchical society, the goal of many persons is to someday get to the top. Whether in the public service or in the private sector, holding the top role in an organization is usually the ultimate aim. Having recognized this drive for the zenith, one wonders whether hierarchy should be treated as sacrosanct, or whether hierarchy should sometimes be ignored in the best interest of an organization. This is not a palatable thought, but in the interest of providing platforms for lasting legacies, it is a thought worth considering. Continue reading “Seat Fillers or Potential Legacies?” →

Leaders of Never

“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Youths are the future leaders.”

Presumably, every person older than a toddler has heard these quotes or any of their numerous cousins. It is ingrained in the human consciousness that every generation will at some point be replaced by a younger one. However, for many youths, tomorrow remains elusive, perpetually unreachable because they never realize that tomorrow starts now. Continue reading “Leaders of Never” →

Much Ado about Cars

Someone once said that leadership involves leaders making sacrifices for the greater good of the organization, just as many parents deny themselves of certain rights and privileges in order to make a better life for their families. That someone obviously had no inkling of Nigerian leadership. In Nigeria, sacrifices are the exclusive preserve of the followers. Continue reading “Much Ado about Cars” →

Rwanda: Symbol of a Dark Continent

Rwanda: Symbol of a Dark Continent

“The Dark Continent”. The colonialists made this Africa’s tag while it laid subservient to their interests. Years after the last colonial flag was lowered, many Africans are yet to experience real freedom. Self-styled, faux messianic rulers continue to provide reasons to retain Africa’s degrading tag. Rwanda’s latest referendum aptly shows why Africa may still be the Dark Continent. Continue reading “Rwanda: Symbol of a Dark Continent” →

Tribalocracy

In every society, there are usually some persons who are viewed as role models or mentors. These persons are usually paragons of leadership. They are elders, statesmen, expected to show the light to the rest of society. Their words and actions can easily influence events in society. Decorum and wisdom is therefore expected to be their watchword. Hence, it is a thing of sadness when a statesman makes a gaffe and utters statements unbecoming of his status. Continue reading “Tribalocracy” →