The service to the people is the cornerstone of true leadership. It is a principle that outweighs cultural considerations or any primordial factors. Very strongly, governance demands sincerity, commitment to the collective good, and an ability to deliver what communities deserve; excellence.
Yet, leadership remains a complex and sensitive endeavour, particularly in settings where diverse groups—each with distinct aspirations—must be guided toward a unified purpose. The challenge lies not just in managing these differences but in harnessing them to advance a shared destiny. This is the essence of leadership that serves.
Subnational governance amplifies this complexity. In state like Oyo, rooted with ethnic diversity, cultural variations, and economic disparities, the task of leading is extremely sensitive and must be approached with care. Consider a situation where traders thrive in urban centres, farmers toil in rural hinterlands, and historical legacies shape communal pride. Here, unity is not a given, it must be cultivated. A leader in such a context must possess the vision to align these varied threads into a cohesive fabric, and demonstrate why collective aspirations outweigh fragmented pursuits. This requires more than charisma; it calls for focus, courage, and compassion. Nothing less.
READ ALSO: Friday Evening With Amofin Beulah Adeoye (XXVI)
Credentials—academic or professional—are certainly important, yet insufficient on their own. Running a multinational corporation or holding advanced degrees equips me with tools, but governing a diverse populace demands an inner wisdom that transcends formal training – which I also pride myself in. It is the kind of wit that discerns unspoken needs, the courage that confronts entrenched challenges, and the compassion that ensures no one is left behind. I regularly reflect on the time spent observing governance across levels and engaging with thought-leaders, and there is a clear conviction: leadership must transform, not merely manage, – it must build systems that uplift entire communities.
Often, those being led do not fully articulate their deepest needs. Surface demands; maybe roads, jobs, schools, etcetera, reflect immediate concerns, but beneath them lie yearnings for dignity, security, and belonging. A leader’s role is to probe beyond the obvious, armed with insight and supported by a team of critical thinkers. Advisers must not be mere echo chambers but voices of reason, grounded in local realities. Together, they can craft policies that anticipate rather than react, and address both the visible and the latent. This synergy between leader and team is what turns vision into big impacts that we talk about in advanced nations.
I also think economic potential, when untapped, is a silent tragedy. In many regions, unemployment lingers – around 14.5% according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (2023), while infrastructure crumbles and disparities widen.
The path forward lies in diversification: leveraging agriculture in rural zones, fostering innovation in urban hubs, and empowering youth to create rather than seek opportunities. These are not abstract ideals but practical steps rooted in data and dialogue. A leader must champion sustainable growth – be it through renewable energy or digital infrastructure – and ensure that progress today does not compromise prospect of tomorrow.
Unity remains the bedrock of any thriving society. Too often, subnational politics devolves into factionalism and leaves communities fractured. The antidote is a leadership that builds trust across divides through open forums, inclusive policies, and transparent governance. As Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, once observed, “The progress of a nation is the sum total of the progress of its component parts.” This truth points to the need for a collective mindset, a mindset that allows every individual to see their stake in the whole. It is a principle applicable anywhere, from rural provinces to urban cities.
Accountability anchors leadership to its purpose. We have lessons to learn from history, – wars fought for justice, empires built on resilience – all that remind us of the stakes involved. Governance must be a pact with the people and posterity, laced by integrity and foresight.
Investments in healthcare, education, and sustainable projects are not luxuries but necessities, they ensure that future generations inherit strength, not struggle. This is the mark of leadership that endures: a commitment to serve beyond the present, measured not by applause but by legacy.
I strongly hold true that leadership is less about wielding power and more about embodying service. The road to transformation is rarely smooth, but it is navigable with reason, compassion, and a resolute will. Communities everywhere, whether in Nigeria, Oyo State, or beyond, deserve leaders who rise to this call. I am shaped by these reflections, and the pledge remains firm: to lead with wisdom, unite with purpose, and deliver with sincerity. The pursuit of collective progress is a noble one, and it demands nothing less than my total dedication.
~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, March 14, 2025
