Whatever we do as leaders in an organisation, institution, or even as national leaders, we should be careful about the kind of policies we pursue and the decisions we make. Our decisions, whether good or bad, affect people, especially those working under us or directly connected to us.
Even parents are leaders in their respective homes. A decision made by a father can go a long way in shaping his children’s lives, whether financially or emotionally. A parent who wastes resources meant for the family will jeopardise the future of their loved ones, and the consequences can be significant.
Yesterday, I heard the First Lady granting an interview. She mentioned how they were trying their best to empower people and how they had provided grants, not loans, for businesses such as selling akara, kulikuli, and roasted corn, as though these are sustainable solutions in the long run. You cannot keep giving people peanuts in the name of empowerment and expect meaningful results. It is a shame that the very people who are meant to take care of the citizens are the ones taking everything for themselves. Imagine having access to public resources and being entrusted with public funds, yet failing to manage them responsibly.
It is unfortunate that in Africa, we often value oppression over humanity. You see people in government embezzling public funds and moving much of the money abroad to invest. Ironically, in many developed countries where systems work, people can build wealth without relying on corruption or stealing public funds.
The gap between the rich and the poor is not as pronounced in many developed countries. However, in Africa, the gap is so wide that even education, which should help bridge the divide, is gradually being undermined. This is one of the reasons crime has become so widespread. It is difficult for many people to make an honest living, and those who do often survive on loans or combine petty businesses with their primary jobs just to make ends meet.
We need leaders who are selfless and have integrity to lead us in the right direction. It will be difficult for our country to move forward when those in leadership are corrupt and have little regard for the citizens who entrusted them with power. All they seem to care about is enriching themselves and ensuring that only their family members continue to benefit from the nation’s wealth.
