He is in his late 70s, born to Spanish and Italian parents, but lost his father at 5. In the 1960s, he joined a guerilla movement. During that stint, he was imprisoned for14 years, shot six times, confined to bottom of a well for over two years.
Due to his charisma, he was elected to the senate and later named Minister of Agriculture. In 2009, he was elected President of his country. Widely described as "world's poorest President"
He donates 90 percent of his twelve thousand dollars monthly salary to charities, using an aging V Bettle as transport and lives on a farm owns by his senator wife.
"It seems he have been born to consume and consume and when we can no longer, we have a feeling of frustration and we suffer from poverty......" he once said
"Those who describe me as poor are the poor ones, my definition of poor are those who need too much and are never satisfied" he added.
A leader who is one of a kind is this ! Please meet Jose Mujica ( xose muxica ) President of Uruguay, the country with one of the best medical system.
Can Jose Mujica inspire Nigerian leaders and indeed followers? This is thought for food.
Friday, 25 July 2014
Monday, 21 July 2014
VACATION AS REBOOTING
Leaders who know what they are in for, often take a break to reboot. President Barack Obama never missed his annual vacation since he assumed office. Last year he said he was "eager to skip town" as he jetted to his birthplace, Hawaii.
He planned a 17-day leave, where he looked forward to a period of uninterrupted rest and relaxation.
Vacations have always been a part of the Presidency in the world's most admired democracy, the United States.
George W. Bush did not miss his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Ronald Reagan rode horses in Santa Babara, California. John F. Kenedy went sailing off Cape Cod, Massachusettes. Franklin Roosevelt spent roughly half of his presidency out of town.
"The understanding is that vacation is "an essential Rebooting Process". Douglas Brinkley, an American historian says, adding "he's got to get away to THINK". That is the most underrated attributed we need in our President-TO THINK.
Obama said " I am sure that i will have even better ideas after a couple of days of sleep and sun". A peep into the lives of our men in office, from from top to local levels reveals "restlessness".
In Nigeria, the concept of "accumulated leave" is common with public office holders.
The fear is that just one day "out of office" will be a great "loss". The wider implication is that our leaders "DO NOT THINK". If vacation is a time to think and our leaders do not take it, it means they are less thoughtful. It is little surprise that the net effect is the current leadership deficit.
Lets encourage leaders to take time out for vacation as routinely as possible, knowing its a rebooting exercise necessary for good governance.
In our clime the concept of accumulated
He planned a 17-day leave, where he looked forward to a period of uninterrupted rest and relaxation.
Vacations have always been a part of the Presidency in the world's most admired democracy, the United States.
George W. Bush did not miss his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Ronald Reagan rode horses in Santa Babara, California. John F. Kenedy went sailing off Cape Cod, Massachusettes. Franklin Roosevelt spent roughly half of his presidency out of town.
"The understanding is that vacation is "an essential Rebooting Process". Douglas Brinkley, an American historian says, adding "he's got to get away to THINK". That is the most underrated attributed we need in our President-TO THINK.
Obama said " I am sure that i will have even better ideas after a couple of days of sleep and sun". A peep into the lives of our men in office, from from top to local levels reveals "restlessness".
In Nigeria, the concept of "accumulated leave" is common with public office holders.
The fear is that just one day "out of office" will be a great "loss". The wider implication is that our leaders "DO NOT THINK". If vacation is a time to think and our leaders do not take it, it means they are less thoughtful. It is little surprise that the net effect is the current leadership deficit.
Lets encourage leaders to take time out for vacation as routinely as possible, knowing its a rebooting exercise necessary for good governance.
In our clime the concept of accumulated
Thursday, 10 July 2014
Big Man Syndrome
Nigerians, like their leaders are plagued by the Big man Syndrome, aka Oga. A pride driven attitude which makes one think that success is defined by the number of persons engaged to handle chores he could ordinarily do himself, and other high feeling behaviour.
In many instances, for the big man who holds a public office, the state pays for chauffeurs ( one each for the Oga, Oga Madam, each of the children), a laundry man, Schoolrunner, chef, steward, mai-guard, etcetera.
For this many want to be Oga. The collateral effect is the turning of humans to pseudo immortals. The oga acquires the fragrance of a god. He must not lift a finger!
This pattern is found in the office, religious enviroments and socio economic boundaries and even the home. Where the retinue of hangers on are unaffordable people redouble their efforts to meet the cost estimates. Luckily, the destitudes in the villages would do. This big man disease transcends every aspects of the Nigerian life.
The British Prime Minister David Cameron, like parents across the United Kingdom dashes out of his home for school runs, drops his children and returns to 10 Downing to chair cabinet meetings. He insists on taking his children to school "to keep his feet on the ground" and helping Samantha with childcare.
"I manage to take my children to school, but its got to be possible to be a decent husband, a good father and a good PM".
United States Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, while in office, occasionally got into the kitchen to prepare their favourite delicacies.
Shouldnt we borrow a leaf from these truly big men? Can humility find a place in our governance and public life? Wouldnt we save our dear country so much funds if we emulate these men?
Great leaders are draped in modesty and humility.
In many instances, for the big man who holds a public office, the state pays for chauffeurs ( one each for the Oga, Oga Madam, each of the children), a laundry man, Schoolrunner, chef, steward, mai-guard, etcetera.
For this many want to be Oga. The collateral effect is the turning of humans to pseudo immortals. The oga acquires the fragrance of a god. He must not lift a finger!
This pattern is found in the office, religious enviroments and socio economic boundaries and even the home. Where the retinue of hangers on are unaffordable people redouble their efforts to meet the cost estimates. Luckily, the destitudes in the villages would do. This big man disease transcends every aspects of the Nigerian life.
 |
| UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, walking his 8 year-old daughter to school. |
"I manage to take my children to school, but its got to be possible to be a decent husband, a good father and a good PM".
United States Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, while in office, occasionally got into the kitchen to prepare their favourite delicacies.
Shouldnt we borrow a leaf from these truly big men? Can humility find a place in our governance and public life? Wouldnt we save our dear country so much funds if we emulate these men?
Great leaders are draped in modesty and humility.
Willful Slavery
Back in time Africans were forcefully loaded unto ships to various destinations in the Americas. They were to keep the myriads of industries working. Sources of cheap labour. Then slavery was condemned as man's inhumanity to man.
Many people paid the Supreme price to see to its end. When the United States Of America, that great icon of freedom, fought a fratricidal war, Slavery was the trigger.
Fast forward to present day, Africans not excluding Nigerians, assemble themselves in their numbers, lay hold of objects with dubious capacity to remain and move atop mass of water, and head for Europe.
Of course many die on their way to live. Lately, the number of African migrants who are all too willing to take the risk of their lives on the way to Lampedusa near Italy from Morocco enroute any part of Europe are in thousands.
Undettered others take the Saharan routes sometimes carrying babies only a few days old, in their journey to properity, only to die in the desert with their young. The ever growing army of unemployed persons are ready to become slaves anywhere outside Nigeria, to be engines of cheap labour, happily.
Another slavery has taken a life of its own, centuries after the end of the one William Wilberforce fought against. A brand of human trafficking has crept on us, this time without force. Its self demanded.
Their lands hold no promise of life for them, though Africa is the most endowed in mineral resources of all continents. Poor leadership has been its own Tsunami, failing to make good the promise of good life to the people.
As slavery takes an incestuous dimension, will this generation rise to the challenge? Will we rise against the twin evil of corruption and poverty and give hope to all of God's people in Nigeria and Africa? Will we put an end to neo-African slavery?
Great Leadership holds the ace.
 |
| Enslaved African men |
Many people paid the Supreme price to see to its end. When the United States Of America, that great icon of freedom, fought a fratricidal war, Slavery was the trigger.
Fast forward to present day, Africans not excluding Nigerians, assemble themselves in their numbers, lay hold of objects with dubious capacity to remain and move atop mass of water, and head for Europe.
Of course many die on their way to live. Lately, the number of African migrants who are all too willing to take the risk of their lives on the way to Lampedusa near Italy from Morocco enroute any part of Europe are in thousands.
 |
| Island of Lampedusa, Italy |
Undettered others take the Saharan routes sometimes carrying babies only a few days old, in their journey to properity, only to die in the desert with their young. The ever growing army of unemployed persons are ready to become slaves anywhere outside Nigeria, to be engines of cheap labour, happily.
Another slavery has taken a life of its own, centuries after the end of the one William Wilberforce fought against. A brand of human trafficking has crept on us, this time without force. Its self demanded.
Their lands hold no promise of life for them, though Africa is the most endowed in mineral resources of all continents. Poor leadership has been its own Tsunami, failing to make good the promise of good life to the people.
As slavery takes an incestuous dimension, will this generation rise to the challenge? Will we rise against the twin evil of corruption and poverty and give hope to all of God's people in Nigeria and Africa? Will we put an end to neo-African slavery?
Great Leadership holds the ace.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Like Caesar's Wife
In 1996, Peter Mandelson, then United Kingdom's Secretary of Trade and Industry, bought a house with a loan. He promptly came upon fire for not declaring the facility to relevant bodies as required by law. Consequently, he resigned from office.
Henry McLeish, Scottish First Minister, equivalent of President, sub-let his constituency office that was tax subsidized without registering the transaction with the parliamentary office. Though indications are that he did not benefit from the rental income, he repaid thirty six thousand pounds and stepped down from office. He did not seek any elective position thereafter, choosing to allow his party a clean break for the 2003 election.
Compared to our experience, these actions are saintly! You might ask: Must one declare borrowed funds? Cant someone rent part of his office? Afterall it is his office! Not these people. They understand that leadership demands sublime transparency and honesty. In our parts, leaders take public funds freely, go on spending spree without being pricked by conscience.
Nevertheless, trust is built when leaders' actions are driven by openness and sincerity of purpose. Be leader who can be depended upon at all times. Be transparent and trustworthy.
Be inspired to be a great leader .
 |
| Peter Mandelson |
Henry McLeish, Scottish First Minister, equivalent of President, sub-let his constituency office that was tax subsidized without registering the transaction with the parliamentary office. Though indications are that he did not benefit from the rental income, he repaid thirty six thousand pounds and stepped down from office. He did not seek any elective position thereafter, choosing to allow his party a clean break for the 2003 election.
 |
| Henry McLeish |
Compared to our experience, these actions are saintly! You might ask: Must one declare borrowed funds? Cant someone rent part of his office? Afterall it is his office! Not these people. They understand that leadership demands sublime transparency and honesty. In our parts, leaders take public funds freely, go on spending spree without being pricked by conscience.
Nevertheless, trust is built when leaders' actions are driven by openness and sincerity of purpose. Be leader who can be depended upon at all times. Be transparent and trustworthy.
Be inspired to be a great leader .
Monday, 7 July 2014
Legacy
 |
| Henry Ford |
In April, 1976 Steve Jobs, leading his friends began the now iconic Apple Computers noted for iPhone and other related gadgets till date.
Back here, where is Osondu Motors, Utuk Transport, Concord Newspapers, Okada Air and the list is endless? .
The answer is located in a key leadership principle, the law of Legacy, which holds essentially that there is no success without a successor.
Elsewhere leaders make efforts to replicate themselves and plan for succession . In Nigeria enterprises are woven around individuals so that at their demise there businesses follow suit.
In this part of the world, talk of succession is viewed with distrust and is branded disloyalty.
However great leaders raise there successors while they are still alive, they want there ideas to outlive them .
This is a call for all leaders to groom their successors as a mark of great leadership.
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