BY MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
Nigeria is a country of immense potential, rich in both human and natural resources. Yet, since independence, it has struggled to chart a course toward sustained development, peace, and prosperity. The question, “Where are the Guidance of our Nation?” reflects a collective concern about the state of leadership, governance, and national purpose. It is a question that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s difficulties. From the moment of independence, the nation has appeared to lack a clear and transformative vision, one that is guided by wisdom and moral clarity. Instead, the nation’s political class has been largely consumed by struggles for power, often driven by narrow personal interests and the pursuit of state capture. In this climate, the country finds itself in a state of stagnation, unable to rise to the heights of its promise and potential.
The concept of The Guidance of Nations speaks to the profound capacity of countries to harness wise leadership, ethical governance, and long-term vision to steer their people toward prosperity and peace. It calls for something far greater than the pursuit of short-term political gains; it demands that nations look inward to cultivate a deeper sense of moral and intellectual leadership. This guidance, in its truest form, is not merely political; it encompasses a nation’s cultural, spiritual, and intellectual resources. It is the ability to lead with purpose, to inspire citizens, and to pursue a vision that resonates with the values and aspirations of the people.
At the core of this guidance lies leadership – leadership that is not only visionary but capable of navigating the complex political, social, and economic challenges that face a nation. Nigeria’s leaders must embody wisdom, humility, and a sense of higher purpose beyond personal or political gain. Without such leadership, a nation risks floundering, its immense potential left unrealized. In addition to this, effective guidance must be rooted in diplomacy. Global cooperation is essential for national progress, and Nigeria, as a nation within the broader global community, must engage in constructive diplomacy. It must foster relationships that promote peace, security, and economic growth, not only for itself but for the broader world.
Economic development is another pillar of national guidance. Sustainable growth must be prioritized, with a focus on the diversification of resources, innovation, and responsible management of Nigeria’s vast wealth, especially its oil and gas resources. A nation’s economic strength, however, is nothing without social progress. Social development – particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and the protection of human rights – must be at the forefront of any national vision. A society that does not nurture its citizens, that does not ensure equitable access to opportunity, is a society that risks falling into the very traps of inequality and strife that we so often witness in our world today.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s role in global governance must not be overlooked. The country’s standing in international institutions, its adherence to global norms, and its participation in solving transnational issues, such as climate change, will shape its future in an increasingly interconnected world. Nigeria must not only focus on its national interests but also recognize its responsibilities on the global stage, understanding that the challenges of our time require cooperation beyond borders.
At the heart of any nation’s success is the guidance of transcendent wisdom. Great nations are guided by individuals and groups that possess this transcendent wisdom, a profound understanding of the moral and intellectual principles that underlie societal success. Yet, Nigeria’s current political landscape, dominated by power struggles and short-term thinking, fails to produce the kind of leadership the nation so desperately needs. It is not enough to have political leaders who are focused on personal enrichment or fleeting successes. What Nigeria needs is guides – individuals with wisdom and foresight who understand the nation’s deeper destiny. These guides must be visionaries, individuals who understand Nigeria’s historical and cultural context and can craft a vision that speaks to its true purpose.
These guides must also act with integrity. Leadership rooted in honesty, justice, and moral clarity will inspire trust and build the foundation for sustainable development. Trust between the government and the people is essential for national progress. A guided nation empowers its citizens, encouraging active participation in governance and development. The guidance of a nation is not merely about directing policy; it is about inspiring the people to take ownership of their country’s future.
History offers us many examples of nations that have benefited from wise and visionary leadership, which guided them through periods of transformation and growth. In Ancient Greece, thinkers like Plato and Aristotle provided the moral and intellectual foundations for democratic governance, justice, and societal organization. Their teachings have endured for centuries, reminding us that the guidance of a nation must be rooted in philosophical depth and ethical clarity. In India, during Gandhi’s era, the principle of Satyagraha – truth-force and nonviolence – unified the nation in its struggle for independence and gave it a moral framework that remains influential to this day. Gandhi’s leadership was not only political; it was spiritual and intellectual, providing India with a sense of purpose that extended far beyond the immediate goal of independence.
In South Africa, Nelson Mandela embodied the wisdom of reconciliation, uniting a deeply divided nation through forgiveness, justice, and nation-building. Mandela’s leadership transformed South Africa and offered the world a model for how a nation can heal itself from the wounds of division and strife. Similarly, in Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew transformed the country from a poor, underdeveloped island into a global economic hub through visionary leadership, discipline, and long-term planning. These leaders were not mere politicians; they were moral guides for their nations, laying the groundwork for enduring prosperity. Nigeria must learn from these examples and seek out leaders who can guide the nation with a deep sense of purpose and moral clarity.
To identify and cultivate such guidance, Nigeria must take several practical steps. First, the country must look beyond traditional political actors to identify individuals who possess a deep understanding of the country’s challenges and opportunities. These individuals may be found in academia, civil society, religious communities, or the private sector. The focus should be on those with integrity, intellectual depth, and a long-term vision for Nigeria. Second, Nigeria must create platforms for dialogue. National platforms, such as think tanks, policy forums, and national dialogues, should be established to bring together thought leaders, scholars, and visionaries to discuss Nigeria’s future. These platforms can generate ideas and strategies rooted in wisdom and foresight.
Third, Nigeria must build a national ethos of accountability. Systems must be established to ensure that leaders are held accountable to the people, that public office is a platform for service, not personal gain. Fourth, education in Nigeria should not only focus on technical knowledge but also on moral and civic responsibilities. Schools and universities must instill in young Nigerians a sense of duty to their country and humanity, cultivating a new generation of leaders who prioritize the common good.
Fifth, Nigeria’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage should be seen as a source of guidance. By drawing on indigenous wisdom and the values embedded in Nigerian traditions, the nation can find ways to navigate its current challenges with a sense of rootedness and purpose. Lastly, Nigeria must empower women and youth. Great nations are guided by the diverse contributions of all their citizens. Nigeria must actively involve women and youth in leadership and governance, recognizing that their perspectives and energy are essential for building a prosperous future.
Nigeria is a nation with unparalleled potential, but to unlock this potential, it must be guided by individuals with transcendent wisdom and moral clarity. These guides must work not for personal enrichment but for the long-term well-being of all Nigerians, fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development. By learning from civilizations and nations that have benefited from wise leadership, and by taking deliberate steps to identify and empower such leadership within Nigeria, the country can fulfill its great and unique destiny. The Guidance of Nations is not an abstract idea; it is a practical reality that Nigeria must pursue if it is to become a beacon of hope and prosperity in Africa and the world.
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