By Omonu YG Nelson
The Plato’s concept of a Philosopher King, in his work, The Republic, is a pointer to the role knowledge based leadership can play in creating happiness for the citizenry. Several historical figures, including Alexander the Great and Marcus Aurelius, have been described by ancient and modern writers as embodying the philosopher king ideal.
Right education is not only a sine qua non for a result-oriented leadership, it gives citizens the knowledge and skills to understand, challenge and engage with democratic society including politics, the media, civil society, the economy and the law. Every society need active, informed and responsible citizens – citizens who are willing and able to take responsibility for themselves and their communities and contribute to the political process.
However, this critical aspect of social mobilisation has been serially bastardised by leaders. An argument was advanced that the more docile the citizens are, the better for the politician. But the Cross River State governor, Prince (Senator) Bassey Otu, recently demonstrated otherwise. He proved that not all politicians are interested in building passive citizens. Governor Otu prefers the path of government that produces and engages active citizens for social progress.
The Governor’s visit to the State Library, under two weeks of assumption of office is a demonstration of what the Holy Bible described in Matt in 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” This is a big deal because it is coming at a time most leaders at all levels of the Nigerian society seems to have relegated all issues pertaining to self-development, better citizenship through knowledge to last dish on the menu.
The so-called advanced economies attained these status because of their commitment to excellence and continuous learning through research. That’s why the assurance by Governor Otu is a soothing relief, in a society that has exalted “the end justifies the means” above established order. The Governor had assured students and researchers that his administration would ensure a functional and knowledge-based e-library that is information technology driven. This commitment demonstrates where his commitment lies.
Equally, restating commitment to modernise Libraries in the state, despite paucity of funds, shows that education/knowledge for better citizenship is top on Governor Otu’s prioritise. “I am not unaware of the financial constraints we face as a state, but we will look at what is feasible as quickly as possible and work to get the library up and running as libraries as centres of knowledge are pivotal to growth and development.”
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, a major American writer, once posited that: “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” Rightly so, the Cross River State Governor, Prince (Senator) Bassey Otu, is redoubling efforts at reviving reading culture in the State as he stated during his visit to the State Library: “A functional library will help in bringing back the reading culture amongst students as the library will be IT and digital compliant.”
A new narrative is been birthed in Cross River State. A holistic and systematic reawakening and development of quality citizens is been unleashed in Cross River State. This step will certainly crystalize into development and self-confidence and a sense of agency of Cross Riverians.
Without an iota of a doubt, a government that’s starting on the note of full priority to education and knowledge, is a government that’s condemned to succeed because sound and right knowledge is the foundation of every development.