Leadership

The Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie has declared that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, deserves the

award of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) Conferred on him by former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Eze(Dr.) Anozie, who is also the chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Non-Indigenes Heads, made this decalration on recently in Ibadan, Nigeria

''I and my people, Ohanezenidgbo, and all non-indigenes in Ibadan and Oyo state appreciate the honor done to the Olubadan. He merits it because he is a peace-loving Olubadan, who loves all ethnic groups, all Nigerians residing in Ibadan. The Olubadan deserves it. I am therefore congratulating him and all Ibadan indigenes, because if the Olubadan gets something good, he has gotten it for himself and the whole Ibadan and vice versa. So, I am congratulating him. He is a very kind, humble and God-fearing person, who believes in truth, justice and fairness,'' Eze(Dr.) Anozie stated.

In another development, he admonished new political office holders at all levels of government to administer and oversee the affairs of those that elected them with the fear of God.

''Let them have the fear of God in everything they do. My good will message to all political office holders from top to bottom is for them to work for a truly united Nigeria where truth, justice, equity, fairness and peace reign supreme. Nigerians should love one another, not minding their ethnic and religious differences. This is the foundation. If we work hard, the sky is our limit,''Eze(Dr) Anozie noted.

The omission and commission of the leadership in all spheres of life in Nigeria, has brought the country to its present worrisome state.
In his views, the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, who is also the Head of the Association of Non-Indiggenes in Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie maintains that the emergence of a good and God-fearing leadership in Nigeria will change the narrative.
Excerpts:

God created this world very beautifully so that man should live peacefully and happily.
But due to selfish, wicked, conscienceless leaders, the world is on fire.
 There are crises everywhere. Human lives are wasted on a daily basis. I am saying it loud and clear,that anywhere there are crises, most of such are caused by bad leadership. Ordinary people are very ready to live peacefully with each other, if well led, and well governed, no matter their ethnic and religious differences, they can live peacefully together. Politicians should come to help in this situation.
If there is good and God-fearing leadership anywhere, there would be peace in that country or society. Good leadership means leadership where justice, equity, fairness and the fear of God reigns. A leadership where citizens condemn injustice, deceit and fraud, lawlessness, no matter whose ox is gored.
A leadership that does things the right way, because no matter whatever anyone is doing, if you do the right thing the wrong way, you are wrong. If you do the wrong thing the right way, you are still wrong, but when things are done the right way, everything will move on right and there will be peace everywhere.
Bad leadership is the problem the world is always having.
I am of the firm belief that with good leaders, most wars all over the world will be minimized. It is either the leaders are corrupt, or they are selfish, leaving the right thing that promotes justice and sanity and doing the wrong things that promote injustice, hardship and hatred among the citizens.

In Nigeria now, those who think that they are  enjoying the music as they look on, ethnic groups abusing and insulting themselves, should have a rethink. Let us all Nigerians join hands and voices together in condemning that which is evil, and encourage that which is good, for the good and unity and peace of our dear country.
I am saying this because a stitch in time saves nine. Let us forget our ethnic and religious differences and call a spade a spade. Only the truth can set us free in this country.

Religious leaders must avoid scriptural misinformation and misinterpretation, most especially in the areas that discriminate, marginalize and hurt womanhood.
Avoid painting the girl child as half a male counterpart as well as avoid Female Genital Mutilation(FGM).
Develop the mental capacity of the girl child on par with their female counterparts.
Female children should be allowed to choose a career of their choice based on their God-given talents.
forms. Avoid minor weddings and other forms of abuse against the girl child. Every male orientation must change from perceiving women as objects of sex.
The focus must be on gender equity to avoid partriachal domination through such a policy that will allow women effective participation in all spheres of life.
Women must take the chance to lead and not live at the mercy of men(malevolence)but  believe in themselves to achieve any feat. The Holy Quran states that they must not tread a path of being suspicious of promiscuity and they must be able to assert meritorious authority when charged with responsibilities or positions of power, such as in the case of the Queen of Sheba, Bilqees.
''O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah , then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.''
Q27 VS. 30-36, ''Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me. They said, "We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command. She said, "Indeed kings - when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled. And thus do they do.  But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return. So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.''
The Challenges impeding Women from Occupying Leadership Positions
Women across nations face  several challenges but African countries particularly experience the following:
*Cultural bias favoring male children.
*Domestic violence-mentally, sexually, physically and emotionally by their husbands or partners(molestation, assault and battery to rape).
*Female child labor, abortion, prostitution, and female genital mutilation.
*Child marriage-According to official statistics, 43% of Nigerian girls become married before their 18th birthday and 17% before turning 15 albeit in the northern part of the country.
*Exorbitant Candidate Nomination Fees for Election.
Prof. Olagoke delivered this paper at a Public Function in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria on Tuesday 23rd August, 2022

There is a neeed for an aggresive cleansing damage contorl to avoid possible human degenration.
The Holy Bible in Amos 4:1-2  hignlights the affection of God towards the oppressors and ego centered  personalities. The words of God is just like rain that does not discriminate.

"Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountains of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD.

4, Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal, multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:''

There is a great challenge in achieving credible leadership. In addition the lack of care for surborinates and the people leaders ought to  effectively serve, most especiall7y when the wealth of the society or nation is already  entrusted in to their hands.

Vehemently, therefore, God the Almighty warns against such an attitude and state of ingratitude.

The Holy Quran 3: 75 refers to, "Among the people of the book (religious people and custodians of the law) are some who, if entrusted with a horde of gold, will readily pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin will not repay it unless thou constantly stoddest demanding  because, they tell a lie against Allah and well they know it.''

The best is expected from accredited religious leaders, but unfortunately, we are yet to have true religious leaders who fear God by following due process in doing things, but most of us plunge ourselves into avarice.

If the system is not to collapse due to human definace to the dictates of God, we must all show concern about the plight of the people by acting according to our various religious faiths to put in place credibility for the system to run correctly.

The concept of philanthropy will not only unbruden the yoke of the oppressed but help us realize credible

leadership and good governance.

This is the emphasis of God in the Holy Quran (9:34) on the leaders we must neither be nor emulate. "O ye who believe, there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the wealth of many and hinder them in the way of Allah." And there are those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah; announce to them a most grievous cahstisement. "

For a nation to be truly independent, leaders must not be corrupt for them to be able to offer effective damage control.

Romans 12 : 8

8'' Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.''

Read also-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt                                       -Legalizing Crime and Criminality

-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality  -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach

-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

In Nigeria, the Government at all levels are now rounding up their activities in preparation for the end of this dispensation. Based on this premise, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Isalm Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the people’s representatives have not been above board in their performances. Excerpts : 

Governance is better articulated through the system of justice and equity concept, where all forms of discrimination and marginalization would be absent for it to be productive for enhanced prosperity.

Nigeria needs to provide a leadership that is credible and visionary.

Nigeria cannot be said to have those who represent them in government , who have been transparent and selfless to the extent of reducing hunger, diseases and poverty that is prevalent everywhere.

Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt

The representatives have done little or nothing to address the worrisome absence of basic amenities, food insecurity, shortage of houses for the people among several other inadequacies.

The failure of governance at all levels in Nigeria has manifested in the declining capacity of political leaders and representatives of the people to recognize the systemic risks such as inherent and embedded in the following anti -societal acts and practices viz electoral malpractices, terrorism, armed robbery, kidnappings for ransom and ritual, ritual killings and police brutality.

-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

It is unfortunate to note that Nigeria lacks a system of government in which leadership is based on capability that is competence, good work attitude, timely response to the yearnings of the people, meritocracy and the promotion of excellence.

-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

Rather than the above mentioned, governance in Nigeria has been overwhelmed by individuals who attain power through nepotism rather than competence as evident in the following anti-social practices : Influencing voters with food rather than vision, the consolidation of power through intimidation or the imposition of candidates who are unknown to the people.

-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach                -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate       

People in a number of states and the federation now watch with dismay and dwindling interests as the '' man-made mansters'' saddled with the responsibilities of governance exhibit the lack of know-how and zeal in delivering the dividends of democracy.

Incompetence is noticeable in budget provisions as the outline of concrete programs to advance the well-being of the people is visibly missing.

What are the sources of revenue of the ''man-made mansters'' as they continue in the saddle? Are the Governments at all levels generating revenue from the real sectors of the economy?

Without a doubt, monies are always shared from the federation account at the end of each month, while the people are relentless in their complaints on the very negative effects of the dubious taxes by the government at all levels, just as phony figures are on display to justify a wishful act of transparency; even though sheer deceit is the order of the day.

Sadly, a lot of stealing is going on in government circles.

Deceit is the cover for incompetence, most especially when several states are being debased and defrauded of their resources in the guise of private sector participation in development.

The consensus among the people is that the deliberate manipulation of the system ensured the emergence of the ''man-made mansters''.

Their money has corrupted them to the extent that it has deadened their conscience. They have all become morally bankrupt, unjust, and inhuman.

Colssians 3 : 15

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Psalm 8: 3-4

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

In 2004, German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, resigned the leadership of his political party, Social Democratic Party(SDP) trailed by criticisms of his welfare reforms program.

Schroeder had insisted that his administration would not change direction, following mass protests by the opposition party.

He also resigned as the party Chairman as a result of complaints to the party over freeze on pensions and the introduction of medical fees.

The present administration in Nigeria insists that it  to anchors its policies on transparency, integrity and honesty.

For several years successive administrations in the country have failed to incorporate the aforementioned in the national life.
Rather, activities and actions have been channeled towards stagnancy, retardation and underdevelopment.
At the inauguration of boards and parastatals in Oyo state, on 24 June, 1999, the then Governor of Oyo state, Alhaji Lam Adesina, of blessed memory, stated : ”We took our time in ensuring that men and women of integrity and probity are chosen among innumerably qualified men and women. We don’t like to be proved wrong and this is why we implore you to rise up to the challenge and improve the lot in your work place.''
”We are very serious when we promised our people that probity and public accountability will be our watch word, most of the areas, you have been posted to, are afflicted and already grounded by financial impropriety and squandermania. We, as an administration have made covenant, with our people and we shall not renege on it”, Alhaji Adesina concluded.
Indeed, Nigerians are still wondering, if the present crop of political appointees at both the Federal and State levels would make probity and public accountability their watch word, considering the rot in the system. Interestingly, the appointees are yet to publicly declare their assets.
In 2009, the Day Star Christian Centre organized a conference, ”Excellence in Leadership”. In attendance, was the then Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola, who is now the Minister of  Works and Housing.

Fashola had emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace the basic values of good conduct.
”By sowing for an early crop, the capacity to ‘lead’ particularly in our youths, we can guarantee this nation, a harvest of exemplary leaders that our people so dearly expect and indeed deserve”.
Without doubt, the country is in dire need of principled and visionary leaders. However, the absence of  people with good leadership qualities has for long served as a major impediment towards achieving developmental goals.
But the existence of principled and visionary leaders, seems to be a mirage, when confronted with the fact that most power brokers end up managing wayward children.

In the political scene, the Father continues to contend with issues of governance, while the Mother runs around to boost the fortunes of her pet project.

At the end of it all, the children grow up without parental care, with their behaviour, similar to that of their Nannies and Teachers.

The ”World is yours” becomes their creed, while the state and its resources are at their beck and call. Indeed, transparency, integrity and honesty is not yet within reachable distance.