In 1960, when Nigeria became independent, the world community clearly stated that four nations would emerge to join the ranks of developed countries like USA and Japan. Those countries mentioned were China, Brazil, India, and Nigeria.
Unfortunately, of these countries, only Nigeria has not emerged! The reason is simple—human resources! India, Brazil, and China have all made significant progress, but Nigeria till today is still grappling with unfulfilled potential.
Despite being among the richest countries in the world in terms of human and material resources, Nigeria’s potential remains unfulfilled. It is understandable that the crucial factor for a nation’s greatness is its human element. Unfortunately in Nigeria, human element only comprises of 4% compared to 96% material resources.
This imbalance is one of the factors hindering Nigeria’s growth. In contrast, Japan has only 2% material resources and 98% human resources. The same applies to America and other developed nations in the world.
Our major problem in Nigeria today is human resources and when we talk about human resources, we are talking about leadership. Leadership is vital for the progress and development of any nation. It is this kind of leadership that has assisted many countries in the world to develop. Today, China and Singapore have transformed from developing to developed nations.
Nigeria could have achieved similar success, but unfortunately we lack effective leadership.
My heart bleeds, that Nigeria, once celebrated as Africa’s giant, now faces severe problems ranging from corruption, insecurity, institutional immaturity and economic mismanagement.
Despite our rich resources, many of our people live in poverty, with a projected 38.8% facing hunger in 2024. Today, the Human Development Index remains low at 0.548, reflecting deep inequalities in the country.
Under President Bola Tinubu the issue of insecurity has grown from bad to worse. Today, insecurity is threatening the foundation of our existence as a nation. And not only that, the vicious cycle of poverty now engulfs the masses to a level of suffocation.
Today, the economy of Africa’s most populous nation today has become a
hydra-headed monster that is difficult to tame or control under President Bola Tinubu. Our economy is now a ravaging bull running amok and has defied any solution from Mr. President.
What we are seeing now is a situation where theory of vulgar individualism and fetish corruption has triumphed over the political firmness and sharpness of the leadership of the country.
When a situation looks hopeless as it is now, we must embrace Lao Tzu’s servant leadership concept. Lao Tzu says: “Do not look only at yourself, and you will see much. Do not justify yourself, and you will be distinguished. Do not brag, and you will have merit. Do not be prideful, and your work will endure.” In another text of his colossal works, Lao Tzu says: “The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say: “We did it ourselves.”
Our President must understand that respect and obedience must be earned and solicited. Understanding of this principle and its strict compliance by President Bola Tinubu and those who are charged with leading us in this country is necessary. This distinguishes a true leader from those who think that they are bigger than the country and the people that voted them into power.
By honouring the history of what brought us together as a nation, the dream of our founding fathers and the future of the country we seek, we need a ‘Servant Leader’. Leaders cannot expect that respect and obedience must be automatic and that their decisions and actions must be followed without question. Leaders must be accountable to the people they lead, and by so doing, accept public scrutiny and be prepared to explain their political actions and inactions at all times.