MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
Leadership defines the fate of societies. It determines whether a people flourish in unity or languish in despair. Yet, as humanity faces unprecedented challenges, we find ourselves plagued by a glaring deficit of leaders who prioritize the collective good over personal gain. This crisis of leadership is not merely a political or economic issue; it is a profound moral failure, rooted in the absence of a transformative principle – dying to self.
To “die to self” is to transcend ego, relinquish selfish ambitions, and embrace humility, selflessness, and service. It is the deliberate choice to prioritize the needs of others above one’s own, to lead not with power but with purpose, and to wield influence not for self-glorification but for the upliftment of society. True leadership begins where ego ends. It flourishes in the fertile ground of empathy, where a leader not only understands the struggles of others but actively seeks to alleviate them. It manifests through sacrifice, where comfort and privilege are willingly surrendered for the advancement of the collective.
The absence of such leadership is evident in the global arena. Leaders driven by ego and personal gain have wreaked havoc on their nations and diminished the potential of their people. Nations once brimming with promise have been reduced to shadows of their potential. The story is tragically similar across continents, as the world pays the price for self-serving leadership.
Nigeria is no exception. A nation blessed with immense human and natural resources, it remains shackled by a paradox: rich in potential but impoverished by poor leadership. Corruption has siphoned billions from public coffers, resources meant to build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Ethnic and religious divisions have been exploited by those who should be uniting the nation. Leaders have failed to “die to self,” choosing instead to feed their egos and bank accounts while the majority of Nigerians struggle to access basic necessities. Historical opportunities, like the oil boom of the 1970s, were squandered as leaders prioritized short-term gains over sustainable development.
But the story of Nigeria need not remain one of lost potential. The path to transformation lies in cultivating leaders who embody the principle of dying to self. Schools must teach leadership not as an exercise in authority but as a commitment to service. Citizens must demand accountability, rejecting leaders who wield power for personal gain. Most importantly, each Nigerian must strive for personal transformation, mastering their minds and developing the inner intelligence needed to contribute meaningfully to society. For as the human person is the nation, Nigeria will only rise when its people rise – individually and collectively – to embrace selflessness, humility, and purpose.
The challenge before us is not simply to find such leaders but to become them. It requires a shift in mindset, a reawakening of values, and a collective commitment to prioritize the greater good over personal gain. Leadership is not a title; it is a calling, one that demands the death of ego and the birth of a servant’s heart. When Nigerians – and indeed people across the world – embrace this truth, we will witness the rise of nations built not on the fragile foundation of self-interest but on the enduring strength of shared purpose.
Nigeria’s destiny is unparalleled. It is a nation positioned to lead, not only in Africa but on the global stage. But to manifest this destiny, we must cultivate leaders who inspire trust, foster unity, and prioritize the collective welfare. These leaders will emerge not from the halls of privilege but from a people committed to personal and collective transformation. The journey to a prosperous, unified, and thriving Nigeria begins with the death of ego. It begins with us.
Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader.
Abdulrahaman is the Founder/President, Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Project Coordinator,
National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org