Al-Bashir, Mswati, Bongo, Biya, Mbasogo, dare I say, Buhari.
Africa has spawned a whole generation of failures who call themselves ‘leaders’.
We have engendered and continue the practice of “chop alone; die alone”; an all consuming need to satisfy the needs of self above all other things. Much of our political, intellectual and even religious leaders have for the most part focused on building edifices, amassing mountains of cash and presiding over broken institutions while wilfully neglecting the most important aspect of leadership — raising worthy successors!
In the words of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, “There is no success without succession.”
These words ring true now more than ever when you look at the socioeconomic landscape of Africa as it is today.
I am firmly of the belief that the onus rests squarely on our shoulders; my generation, the millennials, Gen Z; to buck this unbecoming trend.
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, there’s always someone, somewhere looking up to you for guidance and help. Don’t ignore them, nurture them — help them through their clumsiness and mistakes; Give them tips that you had to learn all by yourself the hard way so they don’t make the same mistakes you did; celebrate their successes and never envy them when they eventually, hopefully begin to outshine you.
“A good leader begets leaders” — John Adair.
Let’s start leading today.
