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Leadership is different from governance and governance is different from power, despite the differences, democracy is usually the culmination of the three factors, these three factors must work together in ideological, moral, intellectual and institutional capacity for the Republic to move forward.
For too long the youths have focused on power and governance not leadership, if the youths can successfully assert leadership, power and governance will fall on their lap like ripe apples. Again 2023 is coming and everyone seems to be focused on who becomes the next president, which party comes to power and the eventuality of the election. Nigeria does not just need a new party or president; this country needs a different and fresh philosophy of leadership! The problems of Nigeria are deep-seated, we have a socio- economic and cultural crisis.
Until the youths begin to think and breath solution in the context of social, philosophy, economic and institutional representation, Nigeria is not theirs for the taking!
The ENDSARs movement suggests that the Nigerian youth has awoken, they have proved that they have the capacity to build a leadership agenda for the country. The critical dilemma of the ENDSARs movement is that it lacked a political strategy. Some might say the ENDSARs is not a political movement but the fact remains that most of the problems confronting Nigeria is political especially at the governance and institutional front – the best way to solve a political problem is to have a political strategy. The youths must also get this clearly; you don’t need or have to be a politician to lead your country, Martin Luther King Jnr, Mohandas K Gandhi, Steve Biko, Malcom x and others were no politician but they lead not just their country but the world . Politics and governance can never substitute for leadership. Beyond politics and governance, leadership is a state of mind and that is what makes it different!
Everyone wants to rule Nigeria but no one wants to lead her, therefore it has become imperative that the destiny of the Nigerian youths is to lead Nigeria. The youths need not disturb themselves so much with politics where there is leadership power gravitates. The youths should focus on leading themselves! This country needs leadership just too much as much the youths needs it!
During the EndSARs movement the youths were able to set five clear agenda. Youths all over Nigeria were able to connect to the movement. Though they were not office holders, but they proved great leadership instincts where everyone was a leader and a follower. The youths need to set a clear and simple agenda for 2023 which will push their interest forward. by doing this they will not just set a political direction but a philosophical perspective for their immediate constituency to embrace in the political and electioneering context.
There are three things the youths must do
1. A clear message that captures the expectation of the youth
2. Mobilizing themselves psychologically
3. Translating their aspirations into a political action or strategy
It is not about number, it is about passion, it’s about commitment and unity of purpose. It is the ability of the youth to create the philosophy, communicate it and connect the youths to it. Once it is done the rest is history. There is no equal or consistent approach to socio political change in the history of mankind, every generation will create its path through the struggle for leadership. Nigerian youths it is time for you to start a new struggle not a new politics!
Hon. Adeyemi Abidemi Adebola
Director of Research
African Development Studies Centre (ADSC)
Minorithy Whip KGHA(2011-2015)
Founder African Reading Projects
Founder Institute of Disabled Persons.