By Matthew Onokpasa C.Eng.,JP
In today’s Nigeria, the conversation about leadership has never been more urgent. As the nation grapples with governance challenges, economic transitions, and social transformation, it becomes imperative to rethink what it truly means to assume political leadership.
Leadership is not about occupying a position of power; it is about possessing the right values, competence, and mindset to drive national progress. For anyone aspiring to lead, four pillars must stand firm — character, exposure, experience, and training.
*Character: The Soul of Leadership*
No nation rises above the character of its leaders. In Nigeria, where public trust in governance continues to waver, integrity and honesty have become rare yet priceless virtues. Character defines who a leader truly is when no one is watching. It restrains greed, guides judgment, and inspires confidence among followers. A political leader without character becomes a liability to the nation — one who places personal ambition above public good. To rebuild our society, Nigeria must begin to elect leaders whose moral compass aligns with service, accountability, and fairness.
*Exposure: Broadening Leadership Vision*
True leadership thrives on exposure. A leader who understands the world beyond his immediate environment can draw lessons from other societies and apply them creatively to local realities. Exposure sharpens intellect and nurtures tolerance, empathy, and innovation. Nigeria needs leaders who are well-read, exposed, and open to new ideas — individuals who understand global trends in governance, economy, and technology. Exposure transforms leadership from mere administration into visionary governance.
*Experience: The Power of Tested Competence*
Leadership is not an experiment; it is a craft refined through experience. Experience teaches patience, strategy, and the ability to navigate the complex realities of public life. Nigeria’s governance landscape has suffered from the elevation of the inexperienced over competence, mostly dilussioned on loyality patronage. The result has often been policy inconsistency and administrative inefficiency. We must now recognize that effective leadership requires not just youthful energy, but wisdom earned from service and engagement over time. An experienced leader anticipates problems before they escalate and responds to crises with maturity and precision.
*Training: Building Capacity for Governance*
Leadership, like every profession, requires training. The assumption that good intentions alone can produce good governance is a dangerous fallacy. Training in leadership, policy design, and management equips public officials with the practical tools to translate ideas into action.
Political parties and institutions must therefore invest in structured leadership development — workshops, mentorship, and executive education — to prepare aspirants for the responsibilities of office. Trained leaders perform better because they understand process, ethics, and strategy.
*Nigeria’s Leadership Crossroads*
As the nation seeks to overcome decades of underdevelopment, the focus must shift from political patronage to leadership quality. The Nigeria of the future depends on leaders whose character defines trust, whose exposure widens perspective, whose experience ensures prudence, and whose training guarantees competence.
It is not enough to aspire to lead — one must be prepared to lead well.
In the words of John C. Maxwell, “ _Everything rises and falls on leadership.”_
For Nigeria, the rise will only come when leadership becomes a sacred duty anchored on integrity, knowledge, and service.
Matthew Onokpasa C.Eng.,JP is a Policy analyst and governance expert, he writes from Delta state.