BY OSITA BIOSE
IT’S indeed perplexing why a number of politicians often engage in self-aggrandizing behaviour, flaunting their accomplishments, no matter how minor. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Nigeria, where some politicians seem more concerned with projecting an image of power and influence.
One possible explanation for this behaviour is the desire for validation and admiration. Politicians, like anyone else, crave recognition and applause for their efforts. However, when this desire becomes an all-consuming force, it can lead to a focus on self-promotion rather than genuine public service.
Another factor contributing to this paradox is the lack of accountability. In many cases, politicians are not held accountable for their actions or inactions. This lack of accountability creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to prioritize their own interests over the needs of their constituents.
The contrast between Nigeria’s politicians and those from other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, is striking. These countries have achieved remarkable growth and development, thanks in part to visionary leadership and a focus on public service.
The remarkable transformations of Dubai and Singapore serve as testaments to visionary leadership and strategic planning. These cities, once modest in their global standing, have become exemplars of development and innovation, thanks to the efforts of their extraordinary leaders.
Lee Kuan Yew: The Architect of Singapore’s Success
Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, was the driving force behind the country’s journey from a struggling third-world state to a thriving first-world nation. His pragmatic leadership style allowed him to make tough but necessary decisions, often prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term popularity. Yew’s honesty and directness earned him the respect and trust of his people.
A cornerstone of his strategy was economic development. Yew established the Economic Development Board, attracting foreign investment and fostering entrepreneurship, which laid the foundation for Singapore’s rapid economic growth. Simultaneously, he championed infrastructure development, significantly improving housing, transportation, and public services to ensure a high standard of living for Singaporeans.
One of Yew’s most impactful policies was his unwavering stance against corruption. By maintaining transparency and integrity in domestic finance, he created a corruption-free environment that drew international investors and strengthened public trust.
Through these measures, Lee Kuan Yew exemplified a leadership style centered on public service and strategic investment in key sectors such as education and innovation, paving the way for Singapore’s remarkable ascent on the global stage.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: The Visionary Behind Dubai’s Transformation
In Dubai, the current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been the visionary leader driving its transformation from a desert city to a global hub of commerce and tourism. His leadership has been characterized by ambitious planning and bold execution.
Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for Dubai included economic diversification, extensive infrastructure development, and the promotion of tourism. His efforts saw the establishment of iconic projects such as Dubai International Airport, Dubai Port, and the Dubai Metro, which significantly enhanced the city’s connectivity and appeal.
Under his leadership, Dubai moved away from oil dependency, focusing instead on industries like finance, logistics, and tourism. This diversification was complemented by the creation of world-renowned landmarks, including the BurjKhalifa and Palm Jumeirah, which turned Dubai into a premier tourist destination.
His leadership style reflects a commitment to innovation and economic resilience, positioning Dubai as a beacon of progress in the Middle East.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: A Humble Pioneer
The UAE’s late leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also played a crucial role in shaping the region’s development. Known for his humility and people-centric approach, Sheikh Zayed prioritized the welfare of his citizens. He invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring that his people reaped the benefits of the nation’s wealth.
His leadership style was marked by wisdom, compassion, and a profound understanding of his people’s needs. Through his foresight and dedication, Sheikh Zayed laid the groundwork for the UAE’s transformation into a prosperous and stable nation.
Together, these leaders demonstrate that visionary leadership, strategic investments, and an unwavering commitment to the public good are key ingredients for transforming nations and cities into global powerhouses.
Is Nigeria on the Right Trajectory?
While Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years, it still faces many challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and economic instability. To achieve sustainable growth and development, Nigeria needs to adopt a more pragmatic approach to leadership, invest in infrastructure development, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Ironically, many Nigerian politicians and business leaders travel to these countries for tourism, medical treatment, and business, but fail to replicate the same level of development and good governance in Nigeria. They marvel at the infrastructure, efficiency, and cleanliness of these countries, but seem unwilling to implement similar reforms in Nigeria.
For example, a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji UzorKalu, a has been known to travel frequently to Dubai for business and leisure. While he has been vocal about the need for good governance in Nigeria, his own record in office has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
It’s estimated that millions of Nigerians travel abroad every year, spending billions of dollars on tourism, medical treatment, and education. Meanwhile, the country’s own tourism industry remains underdeveloped, with many historic sites and natural attractions in disrepair.
In conclusion, the transformations of Dubai and Singapore are a testament to the power of visionary leadership and strategic planning. While Nigeria faces unique challenges, it can learn from the experiences of these two countries and adopt a more pragmatic approach to leadership and development.
Ultimately, it’s up to Nigerian politicians and business leaders to recognize the irony of traveling abroad for tourism and medical treatment while neglecting the development of their own country. By prioritizing good governance, investing in infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and become a destination of choice for tourists and investors alike.
