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.

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, walking his 8 year-old daughter to school.

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.