…As Ukeh, Ighodalo, Oyeleye advocate sound leadership
By Chukwuma Umeorah
The United States has restated its commitment to deepening partnership with Nigeria to foster sound leadership and advance mutual interests in the areas of economy, education, security, health, and people-to-people ties.
Chief Political/Economic Section at the US Consulate-General, Nigeria, Michael Ervin, made the promise, while delivering a keynote address at the 45th anniversary annual seminar of the Herbert H. Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association (HHHFAA), in Lagos on Friday.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a Fulbright exchange programme, established by the US Congress in honour of its 38th Vice President.
Ervin stated that a notable aspect of the collaboration is in education saying: “United States issued more student visas globally last year than in any year of the last five years. Nigeria alone accounted for a quarter of over 40,000 Africans, who were issued in 2022. This is just one reflection of a very broad partnership that we look forward to expanding in the years ahead.”
Themed, “Understanding the Concept and Purpose of Leadership: A tool for Empowerment and National Transformation”, Ervin emphasised the role of leadership as the foundation of every prosperous society and urged Nigeria to develop purposeful leaders to move its economy forward. He acknowledged the importance of educational opportunities, and shared his personal journey, expressing gratitude to the Humphrey Fellowship and the Alumni Association for their role in organising the event.
The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, who spoke during a panel session, said leadership encompasses all areas of life. He explained that most importantly is the ability for a leader to serve as a driving force for impacting positive changes and improving the lives of those he leads.
He, however, lamented that Nigerian leaders, since the inception of democratic rule, have not performed well. His words: “Since 1999, no significant progress has been made. Almost every economic index shows that the country has been retrogressing rather that moving forward.
“For instance, in 1999, the Naira exchanged for around N22 to a dollar. However, the rate is above N1,200 today. Same goes for rising debt profile and inflation figures, which are currently at 27.3 per cent. Food and basic commodities have become very expensive and the people are suffering.”
Ukeh added that the process for choosing those at the helms of affairs has also been undermined.
“As a democratic nation, our leaders should be decided at the ballot and not in courts,” he emphasised, citing the barrage of litigations that occur every election cycle. Ukeh, who highlighted the role of the people in ensuring sound leadership for national development, enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic, develop a positive mindset for growth, and to be actively engaged in politics and governance. He advocated that people should demand accountability, while electing leaders based on their capacity to function rather than mere emotions.
The Founder and Chairman, African Leadership Group, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, in his address, noted the importance of institutions as a vehicle of good leadership. He urged the government to strengthen institutions and systems that would help to checkmate people in position.
“This can be achieved by creating policies and ensuring strong implementation and compliance to the rule of law. We need to have leaders with the right sincerity of purpose to make these laws and ensure they are institutionalised into the constitution to guide the actions of everyone and ensure accountability. Also, there have to be strong consequences for bad behaviours, regardless of the personality involved.”
The President of HHHFAA, Abosede Oyeleye, on her part stressed the relevance of the gathering and the need for continuous dialogue and stakeholders’ engagements, including students from various institutions of learning in improving the leadership structure of the nation.
“It may appear slow, but very soon, the narrative would change and even the younger generation would understand what true transformative leadership is about. That is why we have also invited school children because as leaders of tomorrow, they need to be furnished with the right perception.”