QHSES LEADERSHIP REBOOT -03: EXPERTS CALL FOR EMPATHETIC LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA

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Engr. Jamu Badmos, the founder of QHSES Leadership Network and Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, the honorary consul of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, have said that that Nigeria can accomplish the goals listed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while stressing that all citizens, regardless of status, are leaders and urgently need to have empathy for their fellow citizens.

This was noted during a Leadership Reboot – 03 organized by QHSES with the theme: The Path to Sustainable and Inclusive Growth which was held in Lagos on Monday.

They duo while speaking at the summit claimed that if leadership quality is carefully handled, the country will be blessed to experience sustained and inclusive growth while noting that one does not demonstrate leadership skills, serve, or have an impact on his community until he holds public office.

Badmos contended that the kind of leaders needed in Nigeria today to improve the nation are those that not only acts but also demonstrate empathy for the populace, putting the needs of others before their own and those near them.

He said, “When you lead with empathy, Nigeria will be better. Our leaders must have empathy”.

“We all should think of how to put smiles on Nigerians face and not think about you alone. Our concern should always be about us and not me alone”.

He also added that the country’s challenges require that everyone, irrespective of status, contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria, saying, there is a need for us to leave our comfort zones and stop leaving everything for the government to fix.

“As a way to contribute, we set up this leadership network as a personal social responsibility to assist society and have an impact. We set the pillars of this network. And the first is the academy. And you will bear with me that the academy is to improve the employability of the people and a value to the society. The academy has graduated about 400 students who got the skills free.”

“Also, as part of adding value, we set up the leadership reboot. And this is to talk about the path to sustainable and inclusive growth. This is to take the people out of poverty, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and others,” he concluded.

In contrast, Dr. Awosika, a former Access Bank Chairman, stated in her keynote address that a leader should not be judged by his possessions or other material success, but rather by the effect his deeds have on the people he leads.

Success and leadership are synonymous; therefore, the success of whatever you are leading depends on your ability to lead. In this perspective, leadership is not a monetary category. A better leader is not defined by how many homes and other pieces of property they own, but rather by how well they influence the people they lead.

Awoshika emphasized that everyone matters in the expansion and development of a country and that all leaders must demonstrate empathy for the people through their actions and policies.

She said, “For instance, Nigeria has over 200 million people, and if you (a leader) neglect the people, he has neglected the growth and development of the nation. Everyone matters”

“The current generation, If they wished to succeed, they have to learn how to give. And embrace other core values including being exemplary, to also show strength, tenacity, and hard work.

“It is not about I am young and I have the leadership values required to lead this generation, you have to show it through service for people to see what you can do for them.”

Meanwhile, Mr Yemi Faseun who spoke on the essence of leadership emphasized the pivotal role of self-leadership as the cornerstone for effectively leading teams, department and the entire organization.

He went on to say that leadership starts with one self as it is a journey.

Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, however, described Leadership as the very key in sustaining growth.

Others speakers include Mrs. Nireti Adebayo, Prof. Mohammed G. kafay and Tomi Adepoju who graced the occasion with insightful lectures.