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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
How I can create a positive change Printable Version PRINTABLE VERSION
by olusiji lasekan, Nigeria Nov 12, 2007
Media   Opinions

  

John C. Maxwell said, “The first order of things to be changed is me, the leader. After I consider how hard it is to change myself, then I will understand the challenge of trying to change others. This is the ultimate test of leadership". It takes a leader to create a positive change-a person who has the ability to express his or her true self, for the benefit of others.

It is my belief that every human is born a leader. At birth, a baby has the ability to lead by communicating its needs, such as needing to be fed or changed and having these needs fulfilled by its parent. Essentially at this stage, both the baby and the parents are clueless about what to do, but the baby instinctively leads the way and the parents follow. Thus, in this situation, the baby is clearly the leader. And when every human being has been born a leader, no one should later think they are failures or do not have leadership material.

The point is this- everyone is born with unique leadership skills that can be developed and everyone must realize this fact whether this talent enable to become renowned leaders or to just demonstrate leadership once in a specific situation, the fact remains that we cannot abdicate this uniqueness.

Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the need to nurture their leadership skills. This is like having a fertile land without rain. The ignorance of this fact has led to bad leadership which is the fundamental problem of the country called Nigeria. This problem has sunk Nigeria completely into the abyss of corruption. Hardly will you see a Nigerian who will wish to move on a straight road or climb stairs of growth one step after the other without corrupting his path. The indiscipline of bad leaders breeds corruption and disorderliness.

The growing culture of indiscipline is causing a steady decline in our development, painting a gloomy picture of speedy retrogression, which if not checked will lead to extinction. The position in the last four decades in Nigeria is that the entire citizenry have been constantly practicing negativity, which has now become an integral part of all, giving the country and the entire continent a bad name. We have been so unfortunate with bad leaders who often worse than the citizens. These leaders did drag people and the nation down. Had we been fortunate to have a good leader for once in a recent past, a leader who would have awoken our consciousness, a little source elevation would have strengthened us to produce good leaders that will lift us up.

The inevitable question is whether I can create a positive thing in this regard? The answer is yes. Having understood the need for the country to cultivate our leadership skills I wish to offer some suggestions on how to solve the problem of bad leadership in every sector of the country. Leadership studies should be introduced into the schools curriculum. This should be taught in the secondary and tertiary institutions. It should be a subject or course where qualities of leadership such as passion, initiative, team work, innovation, persistence, discipline, focus, time management, confidence, positive disposition, patience and compassion are being taught and mentored.

There is a school of thought that says “The readers of today are the leaders of tomorrow”. Most Nigerians have not cultivated the habit of reading. Reading actually does activate the mind in the same way that we activate muscles when we lift weights. The more active our minds are, the more agile they become, which results in a higher level of creativity. Remember that this is the ultimate test of leadership. In this regard, Government should encourage the citizens to read by establishing a well equipped library in every town of the country.
Lastly, I present my foundation called “Youth Leadership Development Foundation”. It is a non profit organization formed by a group of leaders who are driven to constantly develop the leadership skills for everyone who desires it. YLDF’s missions are to create a national and international consciousness that every human has the capacity to lead. To serve as the most vibrant leadership resource center for the country and the rest of the world.

Starting from next year, February the foundation will be organizing a 2 days monthly seminar for the youth in Federal Capital Territory. At the seminar, the youth are offered an opportunity to learn from the finest instructor in the country on how to truly lead by example and master principles of leadership.
With help of your organization to support, organize or sponsor and through the organization structure of this organization we will be able to create a positive change in FCT and its environment.








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olusiji lasekan


My name is Lasekan Olusiji. I'm from Abuja and am the founder of the Youth Leadership Development Foundation. My interests include leadership and communication. My contact information follows: lash012@yahoo.com
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