What kind of leader are you?, By Ehi Braimah
Reading Time: 11 mins read
Last week, families, friends
Last week, families, friends
,
,
associates
associates
and well-wishers
and well-wishers
gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja
gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja
,
,
to celebrate the third anniversary of Naija Times, our online newspaper
to celebrate the third anniversary of Naija Times, our online newspaper
, which I founded in 2020
, which I founded in 2020
. It was a great opportunity to r
. It was a great opportunity to r
e-connect with professional colleagues who used to live and work in Lagos, bu
e-connect with professional colleagues who used to live and work in Lagos, bu
t have now re-located
t have now re-located
to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
I did not need to ask them why Abuja has become their new home
I did not need to ask them why Abuja has become their new home
;
;
the
the
answer was s
answer was s
elf-ev
elf-ev
ident: Abuja, with its
ident: Abuja, with its
enchanting boulevards
enchanting boulevards
, is beautiful and
, is beautiful and
traffic congestion are
traffic congestion are
not common sights as you would find in Lagos.
not common sights as you would find in Lagos.
Each time I visit Abuja, the flat roads –
Each time I visit Abuja, the flat roads –
I struggle to find potholes in the
I struggle to find potholes in the
city with a fast-growing
city with a fast-growing
exotic
exotic
real estate
real estate
in Gusape and Katampe
in Gusape and Katampe
– and the magnificent buildings fascinate me, although some miscreants want to turn the city on its head. They should never be allowed to get away with their evil plans.
– and the magnificent buildings fascinate me, although some miscreants want to turn the city on its head. They should never be allowed to get away with their evil plans.
Under Nyesom Wike’s watch, the minister of the FCT, I
Under Nyesom Wike’s watch, the minister of the FCT, I
am confident Abuja
am confident Abuja
will regain its lost innocence. Life in the Abuja metropolis is quite expensive and
will regain its lost innocence. Life in the Abuja metropolis is quite expensive and
,
,
as you would expect, the sprawling conurbation around the city is densely populated
as you would expect, the sprawling conurbation around the city is densely populated
by economic migrants
by economic migrants
.
.
The primary goal of Naija Times as a media organisation is to contribute to the task of nation-building and it explains why we publish weekly editorials
The primary goal of Naija Times as a media organisation is to contribute to the task of nation-building and it explains why we publish weekly editorials
– i
– i
t is one of the vehicles we are using to reach the goal,
t is one of the vehicles we are using to reach the goal,
despite the difficult operating environment.
despite the difficult operating environment.
The media industry is poorly funded but we are determined to forge ahead
The media industry is poorly funded but we are determined to forge ahead
and accomplish
and accomplish
the
the
different tasks
different tasks
we have set for Naija Times
we have set for Naija Times
. As we go along,
. As we go along,
new milestones
new milestones
as they occur would
as they occur would
be
be
celebrated.
celebrated.
We are blessed with very distinguished professionals on the Editorial Advisory Board, chaired by Akpandem James. They include media practitioners, university dons, entrepreneurs, public policy analysts, PR experts and economists.
We are blessed with very distinguished professionals on the Editorial Advisory Board, chaired by Akpandem James. They include media practitioners, university dons, entrepreneurs, public policy analysts, PR experts and economists.
I cannot thank them enough for
I cannot thank them enough for
their support,
their support,
cooperation
cooperation
and selfless service to Naija Times
and selfless service to Naija Times
since the founding
since the founding
of the newspaper.
of the newspaper.
Jahman Anikulapo is our Editorial Director and he is in charge of the newsroom. Akpandem and Jahman have continued to support
Jahman Anikulapo is our Editorial Director and he is in charge of the newsroom. Akpandem and Jahman have continued to support
the
the
Naija Times
Naija Times
dream
dream
as my partners
as my partners
since
since
July 2020
July 2020
when started the journey
when started the journey
.
.
How can we make Nigeria a better place? For a very long time, this question has been on my mind, and I keep searching for answers. It was
How can we make Nigeria a better place? For a very long time, this question has been on my mind, and I keep searching for answers. It was
primarily the
primarily the
motivation for setting up Naija Times which rests on three main pillars: building strong institutions, respect for the rule of law and defending the public interest.
motivation for setting up Naija Times which rests on three main pillars: building strong institutions, respect for the rule of law and defending the public interest.
These
These
pillars
pillars
– from all indications –
– from all indications –
will help us build a better society that will throw up responsible leaders who understand the meaning of service, influence,
will help us build a better society that will throw up responsible leaders who understand the meaning of service, influence,
perseverance,
perseverance,
self-confidence,
self-confidence,
empathy, humility,
empathy, humility,
integrity and self-awareness. Such leaders should be open to change
integrity and self-awareness. Such leaders should be open to change
, respect others
, respect others
and
and
possess strong communication and management skills.
possess strong communication and management skills.
The theme of the anniversary was,
The theme of the anniversary was,
‘Journalism in the service of society,’
‘Journalism in the service of society,’
which is the slogan of Naija Times. All the speakers explored this theme from different perspectives.
which is the slogan of Naija Times. All the speakers explored this theme from different perspectives.
At the anniversary event, we formally presented a book titled,
At the anniversary event, we formally presented a book titled,
‘For a Better Society.’
‘For a Better Society.’
It is a compilation of editorials published in Naija Times from September 2020 to July 2023.
It is a compilation of editorials published in Naija Times from September 2020 to July 2023.
In his review of the book,
In his review of the book,
Azu
Azu
Ishiekwene, the Editor-in-Chief of Leadership newspaper, explained
Ishiekwene, the Editor-in-Chief of Leadership newspaper, explained
the importance and value of editorials:
the importance and value of editorials:
“Newspapers
“Newspapers
– print and online alike
– print and online alike
– u
– u
se the weight
se the weight
of their editorials to
of their editorials to
achieve any or all of these three objectives:
achieve any or all of these three objectives:
1) influence public opinion, 2) promote critical thinking, and 3) cause people to take action.”
1) influence public opinion, 2) promote critical thinking, and 3) cause people to take action.”
I agree with
I agree with
Azu
Azu
that most of
that most of
our 115 editorials in three years were aimed at
our 115 editorials in three years were aimed at
challenging Nigerians to “think critically” a
challenging Nigerians to “think critically” a
nd worry about the future of our
nd worry about the future of our
country. It is okay to discuss our problems but it is better to come up with solutions and take action.
country. It is okay to discuss our problems but it is better to come up with solutions and take action.
The starting point is for Nigerians to
The starting point is for Nigerians to
hold their leaders accountable
hold their leaders accountable
.
.
Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka
Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka
’s
’s
recorded goodwill message
recorded goodwill message
was amplified on the LED screens
was amplified on the LED screens
in the auditorium. He
in the auditorium. He
noted that journalists must probe the state and society because they are not mutually exclusive
noted that journalists must probe the state and society because they are not mutually exclusive
.
.
Clearly, the professor of comparative literature
Clearly, the professor of comparative literature
believes that the state and society
believes that the state and society
are
are
two sides of the same coin that should co-exist
two sides of the same coin that should co-exist
for peace
for peace
, unity
, unity
and progress
and progress
as two strong and inter-dependent institutions.
as two strong and inter-dependent institutions.
Can the state and society be strategic partners?
Can the state and society be strategic partners?
“Dealing with the state makes you an obvious target; the state stands to save or ruin the society,” the Nobel laureate said. “Sometimes, society
“Dealing with the state makes you an obvious target; the state stands to save or ruin the society,” the Nobel laureate said. “Sometimes, society
itself
itself
has to be taken to task
has to be taken to task
rigorously and
rigorously and
ruthlessly. We
ruthlessly. We
have to ask ourselves
have to ask ourselves
, just what kind of people are we?”
, just what kind of people are we?”
“I feel that perhaps that there is not enough attention on the other side of the community; maybe journalists don’t quite probe deeply into their behaviour – I’m talking
“I feel that perhaps that there is not enough attention on the other side of the community; maybe journalists don’t quite probe deeply into their behaviour – I’m talking
about the people themselves,
about the people themselves,
”
”
Professor Soyinka explained.
Professor Soyinka explained.
Consummate journalist and former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, who was our guest speaker, interrogated the intersection between the state and society and the role of journalists in shaping public policy and building strong institutions with respect for the rule of law
Consummate journalist and former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, who was our guest speaker, interrogated the intersection between the state and society and the role of journalists in shaping public policy and building strong institutions with respect for the rule of law
for a better society
for a better society
.
.
Leaders are supposed to serve the peo
Leaders are supposed to serve the peo
ple, but is that the case in Nigeria?
ple, but is that the case in Nigeria?
Unfortunately, th
Unfortunately, th
e elite conspiracy against Nigeria
e elite conspiracy against Nigeria
at all levels has continued to under develop Nigeria for a long time. T
at all levels has continued to under develop Nigeria for a long time. T
he major achievement of these “enemies of Nigeria” is that they have turned Nigeria into a huge crime scene.
he major achievement of these “enemies of Nigeria” is that they have turned Nigeria into a huge crime scene.
Perhaps, sociologists can explain why
Perhaps, sociologists can explain why
the
the
primitive accumulation of wealth
primitive accumulation of wealth
has become
has become
prevalent and
prevalent and
fashionable
fashionable
among
among
Nigerians – especially politicians and public officers
Nigerians – especially politicians and public officers
. The contest for wealth, it would appear, is aimed at claiming
. The contest for wealth, it would appear, is aimed at claiming
a misbegotten prize.
a misbegotten prize.
What is an individual
What is an individual
, according to media reports,
, according to media reports,
doing with over 50 properties in Abuja alone?
doing with over 50 properties in Abuja alone?
Why would
Why would
a public officer, as it has been alleged,
a public officer, as it has been alleged,
earn billions of
earn billions of
naira
naira
every month as commission on
every month as commission on
dollars sourced illegally
dollars sourced illegally
but
but
sold to third parties just because the
sold to third parties just because the
officer
officer
has access to privileges?
has access to privileges?
Are we still asking how or when the rain began to beat us?
Are we still asking how or when the rain began to beat us?
What exactly is life’s purpose if we are unable to create a humanity that thrives and spreads joy, happiness and success?
What exactly is life’s purpose if we are unable to create a humanity that thrives and spreads joy, happiness and success?
It is doubtful if there’s any Nigerian who does not want the basic things of life: good roads, constant electricity supply, clean water, affordable housing, efficient public transportation, functional healthcare system and a public education – from primary schools to tertiary institutions – that makes sense.
It is doubtful if there’s any Nigerian who does not want the basic things of life: good roads, constant electricity supply, clean water, affordable housing, efficient public transportation, functional healthcare system and a public education – from primary schools to tertiary institutions – that makes sense.
But what do we have? A broken and dysfunctional society with missed opportunities due to lack of purposeful leadership. The result is that Nigerians and their families are heavily dispossessed and turned into refugees and beggars in their own country.
But what do we have? A broken and dysfunctional society with missed opportunities due to lack of purposeful leadership. The result is that Nigerians and their families are heavily dispossessed and turned into refugees and beggars in their own country.
Those we elected to preside over our affairs must aim to make the lives of Nigerians better. Since we do not have any other country to call our own, we must jo
Those we elected to preside over our affairs must aim to make the lives of Nigerians better. Since we do not have any other country to call our own, we must jo
in hands together and make Nigeria work for us
in hands together and make Nigeria work for us
.
.
We are
We are
now
now
paying the price of economic mismanagement of the past that was fueled by greed,
paying the price of economic mismanagement of the past that was fueled by greed,
abuse of office,
abuse of office,
bribery and corruption, and dishonesty. With a public debt of
bribery and corruption, and dishonesty. With a public debt of
over
over
N87 trillion, fixing the badly damaged economy is going to be a marathon – not a sprint.
N87 trillion, fixing the badly damaged economy is going to be a marathon – not a sprint.
The times are indeed tough, but
The times are indeed tough, but
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to be patient
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to be patient
with his administration.
with his administration.
He is confident we can achieve a N1 tril
He is confident we can achieve a N1 tril
lion economy within three years.
lion economy within three years.
In our quest to engage with other relevant stakeholders through advocacy initiatives for a better Nigeria, we established Naija Times Journalism Foundation (NTJF), the non-profit arm of Naija Times.
In our quest to engage with other relevant stakeholders through advocacy initiatives for a better Nigeria, we established Naija Times Journalism Foundation (NTJF), the non-profit arm of Naija Times.
As we seek
As we seek
purposeful leadership at the national and subnational levels of government, let us also remind ourselves that “change” must begin with us. A cultural transformation that will change the way we “think and behave” is critical and pivotal to the making of a new Nigeria.
purposeful leadership at the national and subnational levels of government, let us also remind ourselves that “change” must begin with us. A cultural transformation that will change the way we “think and behave” is critical and pivotal to the making of a new Nigeria.
Is it the system of government that is the problem or the operators? What needs to change?
Is it the system of government that is the problem or the operators? What needs to change?
Do we need a new constitution based on the clamour for re-structuring the
Do we need a new constitution based on the clamour for re-structuring the
country?
country?
Should we have regional governments based on the 1963 republican constitution?
Should we have regional governments based on the 1963 republican constitution?
Instead of protecting tribes and where we come from, my view is that it is better to embrace national ethos to achieve one objective: a united
Instead of protecting tribes and where we come from, my view is that it is better to embrace national ethos to achieve one objective: a united
and prosperous Nigeria.
and prosperous Nigeria.
It is better to have “State of Residence” instead of “State of Origin.”
It is better to have “State of Residence” instead of “State of Origin.”
When we
When we
“Think Nigeria First” in everything that we do
“Think Nigeria First” in everything that we do
, we would be on the path to greatness
, we would be on the path to greatness
because what we have is a country, not a nation
because what we have is a country, not a nation
. It is a campaign we intend to launch
. It is a campaign we intend to launch
next year
next year
under the auspices of Naija Times Journalism Foundation
under the auspices of Naija Times Journalism Foundation
(NTJF)
(NTJF)
.
.
Parents, teachers and religious leaders also have important roles to play in reclaiming
Parents, teachers and religious leaders also have important roles to play in reclaiming
our lost values
our lost values
. In our homes, work places, and communities, there are leaders but a society will always get the leader it deserves.
. In our homes, work places, and communities, there are leaders but a society will always get the leader it deserves.
We are all leaders in our own right.
We are all leaders in our own right.
What kind of leader are you?
What kind of leader are you?
Every morning, l
Every morning, l
ook at yourself
ook at yourself
in the mirror and say to yourself:
in the mirror and say to yourself:
“
“
I will lead well in any role I find myself by being honest and authentic, and I
I will lead well in any role I find myself by being honest and authentic, and I
will
will
play my part for
play my part for
Nigeria to be
Nigeria to be
come
come
a great
a great
country.
country.
”
”
A leader is
A leader is
the conscience of society. A
the conscience of society. A
good leader leads by example
good leader leads by example
and offers selfless service
and offers selfless service
.
.
Nigeria needs visionary leaders
Nigeria needs visionary leaders
with these qualities, and they should be
with these qualities, and they should be
ready to make a difference.
ready to make a difference.
Are you ready
Are you ready
?
?
The clock is ticking.
The clock is ticking.
Ehi B
Ehi B
raimah is a global public relations and marketing strategist. He is also the publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times
raimah is a global public relations and marketing strategist. He is also the publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times
and Lagos Post
and Lagos Post
and can be reached via
and can be reached via
hello@neomedia.com.ng
hello@neomedia.com.ng
.
.
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