NIGERIA LEADERSHIP & NEGLECT OF ITS MOST POTENT – THE YOUTH

By Ejike E Okpa

Leadership is a difficult word to define especially in cultures that believes the “words of the elders are words of wisdom”.

With that in mind, look no farther than Nigeria where if one is young basically those categorized as YOUTH – they are meant to be SEEN not HEARD from.

But in classic definition of Leadership – it is the ability to lead with or without authority.

With authority – means top down way of Leadership which undeniably is Nigeria character.

Without authority – in other words means INFLUENCE whereby the LED prevails on the Leadership to do things that enhances and improves their overall well-being.

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Because Nigeria Leadership is built on AUTHORITY, the youths who ought to INFLUENCE the way the Leadership delivers are overlooked and largely ignored.

The unintended consequences are evidenced by unending agitation by youths who justly feel ignored. At the end, they are not groomed nor prepared to lead differently when they eventually become Elders. A cycle that repeats itself.

A country ready to alter its fortune must look for INFLUENCE ON ITS LEADERSHIP and play down authority.

Nigeria squanders its chances because of undue weight on AUTHORITY not INFLUENCE.

Ejike E OKPA
Global Affairs Analyst