Theme: “Ethical   leadership   as an instrument for national sustainability in the post-oil Nigerian economy. A public sector perspective”

1.0             Introduction

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. There can never be leadership without a leader. So who is a leader? According to Nelson Mandela “a leader is like a shepherd he stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.” Douglas Macarthur posited that a leader is the one that has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”  In the same vein, Babatunde Raji Fashola described a leader as “one capable of    showing clear sensibility to the feelings of the led about critical issues whose influence is not necessarily exerted by his personal authority but by being the servant of the community he leads”.

In short, a good leader is one who knows when to lead and when to step back. Ethical leadership can be described as one, which demonstrates and promotes normatively appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relations.

2.0             An Overview of the Nigerian Economy.

Agriculture was the major source of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings prior to its independence in 1960.However, with the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the 1970s this very important sector was relegated to the background. Currently oil revenues are dwindling worldwide due to the discovery of   alternative energy sources such as solar energy, nuclear energy and geothermal energy. This means that Nigeria cannot be solely dependent on oil earnings anymore. Consequently, the FG is looking for ways of diversifying the economy. Economic diversification is the process of shifting an economy away from a single income source toward multiple sources from a growing range of sectors and markets. This is with a view to increasing productivity, creating jobs and providing the basis for sustained economic growth.

The Federal Government (FG) has made several attempts at economic diversification by setting up manufacturing and other industries  such as the Ajaokuta steel rolling mills, tyre, textiles, fertilizer   manufacturing companies etc. but all these attempts had  little impact as majority of them have folded up, whilst others are finding it difficult to survive. The situation has been compounded by the economic recession experienced recently and the global Covid-19 pandemic which broke out in Wuhan, China in December, 2019, adversely affected the global economy and Nigeria is not exempted

Over the years, Countries and societies have evolved by finding new ways of doing things to ensure economic sustainability. This led to the first, second and third industrial revolutions. Currently countries are exploiting the fourth industrial revolution in order to diversify their economies. The fourth industrial revolution, which has also been referred to as 4IR or Industry 4.0, describes the age of intelligence and encompasses technologies like  high-speed mobile Internet, Artificial Intelligence, automation, the use of big data analytics and cloud computing. However, the major constraint in Nigeria facing the 4IR is the inadequacy of digital skills, infrastructure deficit, enabling environment and inadequate infrastructure.

The   4IR is the information and digital economy age which if properly enhanced and exploited can serve as a major revenue earner for the Country in the post-oil era. This is because while natural resources such as oil, gas, etc are finite, data and information are infinite. Furthermore, the possibilities provided by the 4IR are limitless and can generate employment for Nigeria’s teeming youth population Therefore, in order to achieve economic growth using the 4IR there is the need for ethical leadership.

The Federal Government in its bid to ensure economic growth and sustainability collaborates with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to discuss issues and challenges facing the development of Nigeria with a view to developing and harmonizing ideas towards diversification and sustaining the economy.

In addition, the National Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, developed a National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP). The plan is aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing oil and non-oil revenues, creation of a financial stimulus package for the Nigerian economy, support for MSMEs and the creation of jobs amongst others

3.0 Ethical Leadership as an Instrument for National Sustainability

Why ethical leadership?

Ethical leaders possess attributes that enable them function effectively. These attributes include honesty, integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence and positivity. A leader with such attributes plays a very important role in effectively and adequately harnessing the natural and human resources of the Country. In order to achieve sustainable economic development, such leader focuses on team  building, encourages initiatives by putting the right people in the right places, is a visioner who can forecast and adequately prepare for the future and above all show leadership by example.

Sustainability is the concept of conserving resources for future generations. It can be viewed from the economic, environmental and social perspectives. Economic sustainability can be described as a process, which focuses on ensuring that there is growth, which would be sufficient for all kinds of social improvement. It should be noted that economic   sustainability can only be achieved where we have ethical leaders at the helm of affairs especially the public sector of the economy.

4.0 Ethical Leadership and the Public Sector Perspective

In order to achieve National sustainability in the post-oil Nigerian economy, the highest standard of ethical leadership is required of all leaders especially in the public sector. This is   because the government has enormous authoritative influence on citizens. Therefore, taxpayers expect a high level of integrity from their leaders. Peoples’ confidence and trust in the government increases when their leaders develop policies and take actions that promote the interests and wellbeing of the entire society. This is because public policies have a direct impact on the citizens. Therefore ensuring ethics in the public service is very important. In this regard, the Federal government came up with a Code of Conduct for public officers, which is spelt out in the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution. The aim of the code is to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity in the conduct of government business and to ensure that the actions and behavior of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability.

5.0 Conclusion

Leaders at all levels are expected to exhibit ethical behavior not only to those they lead within public organizations and institutions but everyone in the society. They are expected   to be committed   to the principles and values of   ethical leadership. It should be noted that the citizens are demanding higher standards of ethics,    transparency and accountability. Therefore, the only thing that will take Nigeria out of its current economic crisis is the diversification of the economy and having ethical leaders who will manage its resources effectively and efficiently, by ensuring adequate planning and proper management of resources, all-inclusive growth and prudence.

In conclusion, ethical leadership is essential for sustainable development of a Country. Nurturing an ethical leader is essential and this will determine the transformation and overall development of the Country. Nigeria stands at the threshold of history and would definitely need ethical leaders to ensure sustainability in the post-oil era as government takes positive steps to diversify the economy.

Southeast Governors, Stakeholders, Clergy, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Women Groups, Organize Peace Meeting For Igbo Community In Rivers State And Nyesom Wike, Governor Of The State.

Southeast Governors and selected top leaders of the Igbo extraction, as well as the clergy and women groups have organized meeting with Igbo community in Rivers state and the Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, to make peace between the two parties.

The groups deemed it necessary to organize the meeting following the rumour recently making round on social media that the Governor of Rivers state allegedly ordered security agents to kill the Igbos in Oyigbo local government area of Rivers state over crisis that erupted in the area when hoodlums highjacked the Nationwide peaceful EndSARS protest by the genuine youths.

During the meeting some of the Igbo community representatives were given opportunity to air their views on the relationship between the Igbo community and government of Rivers state, and as well on the social media rumour which claimed the alleged killing of the Igbos in the state.

The Igbo community described the news as a mere rumour fabricated by rumour mongers whose ambition was to disrupt good relationship between the state Governor and Ndi Igbo in Rivers state.

Present at the meeting which was held at the Rivers state Government House at Port Harcourt include the Chairman Southeast Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi state, Engineer Dave Umahi who presided over the meeting, Governor of Abia state Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano represented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke.

Others include President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Leader of Igbo Elders Association, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former governor of Rivers state, Mr Peter Odili, among others.

By Emmanuel Okonkwo (ABS Government House Correspondent)

One of the most unfaithful allies I know is ignorance. It shames and exposes its host and it doesn’t matter if it is a political conversation as America Politics.

Ignorance always finds the ignorant out.

It is amazing that in 2020, Christians still hold the believe that Christianity is a movement that thrives on political power.

This position is alien to scriptures and history isn’t kind to it.

Christianity is Christianity – no matter where the political pendulum swings.

See Acts 4:33.

“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”

The Christian needs just one power to witness the faith: The power found in the resurrection.

This power isn’t found in the white house. It’s not found in the the UN assembly. It’s not found in Aso Rock or Buckingham Palace or 10 Downing Street.

This power is found in the resurrection.

The saint is the proof of God’s resurrection. And he witnesses the resurrection with the power of it – not political.

Our Christianity isn’t a movement of man that will be susceptible to the will of the people, its manipulations and permutations. It’s God’s own movement (He moved in the raising up of Christ from the dead).

The propagation of our Faith isn’t tied to the White House but our witnessing of the same, Trump or Biden.

When you submit passionately that Trump’s win is a win for Christianity, you are just being passionately ignorant. Which Christianity? The one that turned the world upside down declaring Jesus as King before Trump was ever born?

Acts 17:6-7
[6]And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

[7]Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Harping on Christianity as being at the mercy of earthly kingdom is conformity to the world. It’s at best, ignorance. At its worst, carnality.

The Gospel thrives on God’s power. Not man’s. Not Trump’s. Not Biden.

I have heard that Trump is that great power of God. Amen.
And that Biden is that great power of the Devil. Hallelujah.

We joke.

Christianity is only threatened when we don’t preach. C’est finis.

Christianity is not about not being gay.
It’s not being angry with abortion or not supporting legislation for it.
It’s not chanting Jesus that you don’t know.

It’s believing in the Lordship of Jesus.
It’s God’s mighty legislation that a man who has put his Faith in Christ would not perish.
It’s God’s judgement of the world through your faith in Jesus or not.

The lazy Christian needs the strength of Legislation to profess his Faith.
The devoted one just needs the resurrection.

There are no facts anywhere that more people became Christians because of Trump’s presidency.

If anyone became saved in these last four years, it’s because another Christian preached to the person or Trump must have preached, not because he’s just president.

There is a way to read Romans 1v16.

You can politically read it as:

Romans 1:16
[16]For I am not ashamed of Donald Trump: for heis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Americans first, and also to the World.

Or you could read it biblically as:

Romans 1:16
[16]For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I stand with God. I read it biblically.

PS: This is not anti-Trump or pro-Biden. It’s not pro-Trump or anti-Biden. I’m only making a case for the power of God forever!

Shall we pray?

Toluwani IyanuOluwa Kehinde

·       Says digital age offers greater revenue-earning potential

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has underscored the centrality of economic diversification and ethical leadership at all levels of government as panacea to the current economic headwinds in Nigeria.

Danbatta stated this when he delivered a paper titled: “Ethical   Leadership as an Instrument for National Sustainability in the Post-Oil Nigerian Economy. A Public Sector Perspective” at a  two-day hybrid (online and onsite) Annual Directors Conference (ADC) organized by the Institute of Directors (IoD), Nigeria earlier this week, where he also emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) or digital age promises greater revenue-earning potential to the nation.

Danbatta, who went on a memory lane to discuss Nigeria’s economic shift to oil revenue following discovery of oil in the 1970s, leading to the relegation of agriculture, which was hitherto the source of Nigeria’s foreign exchanges earnings, said the Federal Government has realised that Nigeria cannot be solely dependent on oil earnings anymore, hence the decision of the FG to explore ways of diversifying the economy.

Economic diversification, according to Danbatta, is the process of shifting an economy away from a single income source toward multiple sources from a growing range of sectors and markets. He said this is with a view to increasing productivity, creating jobs and providing the basis for sustained economic growth.

The EVC said though, the Federal Government has made several attempts at economic diversification such attempts have had little impact as majority of them have folded up, whilst others are finding it difficult to survive, just as he noted that the situation has further been compounded by the recent economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected the global economy, including Nigeria.

Danbatta stated that countries and societies have evolved by finding new ways of doing things to ensure economic sustainability, which has led to the first, second and third industrial revolutions. 

“Currently, countries are exploiting the 4IR in order to diversify their economies. The fourth industrial revolution, which has also been referred to as 4IR or Industry 4.0, describes the age of intelligence and encompasses technologies like  high-speed mobile Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, the use of big data analytics and cloud computing,” he said.

While highlighting the major constraints facing Nigeria with regard to the fourth industrial revolution to include inadequacy of digital skills, infrastructure deficit and enabling environment, Danbatta, emphasised that the 4IR is the information and digital economy age, which, if properly enhanced and exploited, can unleash a new phase of massive revenue generation and wealth creation for Nigeria in the post-oil era. 

“This is because while natural resources such as oil, gas, and so on, are finite, data and information are infinite. Furthermore, the possibilities provided by the 4IR are limitless and can generate employment for Nigeria’s teeming youth population Therefore, in order to achieve economic growth using the 4IR there is the need for ethical leadership,” he said.

Zeroing on the centrality of ethical leadership in the public sector, Danbatta said in order to achieve national sustainability in the post-oil Nigerian economy, the highest standard of ethical leadership is required of all leaders especially in the public sector.

“Ethical leadership is essential for sustainable development of a Country. Nurturing an ethical leadership culture is essential and this will determine the transformation and overall development of the Country. Nigeria stands at the threshold of history and would definitely need ethical leaders to ensure sustainability in the post-oil era as government takes positive steps to diversify the economy,” he added.

The IoD Nigeria Annual Directors’ Conference is the Institute’s flagship event, which is attended by captains of industry and directors in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy. It is a forum where contemporary issues affecting leadership and corporate governance of Nigeria’s businesses are x-rayed and global best practice solutions provided by professionals and practitioners in corporate administrations.

As part of efforts to further boost the effectiveness and efficiency of air operations in the fight against armed banditry in the Northwest of the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to deploy 4 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) as well as construct a runway and ancillary facilities for the UCAVs in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this today, 5 November 2020, while on a one-day operational visit to Gusau to inspect the site for the proposed runway and other facilities, which are expected to serve as the Northwest UCAV Base for the NAF. The visit, which began with a courtesy call on the Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, also afforded the CAS the opportunity to inspect some facilities at NAF Base Gusau.

Speaking during the courtesy call at Government House Gusau, Air Marshal Abubakar, while profoundly thanking the Government and good people of Zamfara State for their support and hospitality to the NAF since the establishment of the 207 Quick Response Group (207 QRG) in the State, expressed satisfaction with reports that NAF personnel operating under Sector 1 of Operation HADARIN DAJI had been performing their assigned tasks professionally, in synergy with other security agencies, whilst also ensuring cordial relationship with host communities. He disclosed that he was in Zamfara State at the instance of the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who had authorized the construction of a runway and ancillary facilities in Gusau for the deployment of 4 newly acquired UCAVs to cover Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina States as well as parts of Kaduna State.

While highlighting the capabilities of the UCAVs, the CAS noted that the unmanned aircraft could remain airborne for up to 26 hours providing persistent presence over areas of interest. He revealed that the four UCAVs were part of the 8 UAVs recently acquired by the Federal Government to enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as strike capabilities of the NAF not only in the fight against armed banditry in the Northwest and North Central but also in counterinsurgency operations in the North East. He revealed that 2 UCAVs were to be deployed at the newly established 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group in Gombe and the 2 others at the Air Task Force, Operation LAFIYA DOLE Headquarters in Maiduguri. He added that these were in addition to the 22 brand new aircraft already acquired by the Federal Government for the NAF in the last 5 years, along with the 19 additional aircraft being expected before the end of the second quarter of 2021. The CAS noted that these additional aircraft included 12 x A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, 3 x JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets, an additional Mi-171E utility helicopter as well as 3 special missions aircraft that are expected to be handed over to the NAF from NIMASA for maritime air operations.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that about 195 NAF personnel were undergoing various ground and aircrew training in 9 different countries across the world to ensure that as soon as these additional aircraft arrive Nigeria they would be effectively and efficiently utilized to further enhance the security of Nigeria and Nigerians in the various theatres of operation. He further disclosed that, while the main purpose of the new runway facility being constructed was to service the UCAVs, other aircraft could equally use the airfield once completed. He however noted that the deployment of the new UCAVs as well as the personnel to man them would require the emplacement of additional infrastructure at the NAF Base, which would undoubtedly require additional land. He therefore appealed to the Governor to provide the additional land for the NAF. The CAS ended his remarks by encouraging the Royal Fathers and Spiritual Leaders present at the event to support the NAF and other security agencies by providing intelligence which, he said, was critical to the effective conduct of operations in sub-conventional warfare scenarios like armed banditry. He noted that such information would always be treated with utmost confidentiality and further cross-checked for accuracy before use.

In his response, Governor Matawalle appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for swiftly responding to the cries of the people of Zamfara and acceding to their request for additional facilities that would enhance the security of the State. He stressed that Zamfara State would remain eternally grateful to the C-in-C for authorizing the construction of the runway as well as the deployment of the UCAVs to Gusau. He equally thanked the CAS for the speedy action taken to commence implementation of the project, whilst also commending him for the unwavering commitment shown by the NAF and the tremendous contributions made by the Service in dealing with the menace of armed banditry. The Governor emphasized that security was not the exclusive responsibility of security agencies but required the involvement of every member of the society. He therefore urged the people of the State to heed the CAS’ call by providing useful intelligence to security forces.

Speaking further, Dr Matawalle said the Zamafara State Government, while continuing to apply both kinetic and non-kinetic means in dealing with security challenges in the State, would continue to exhibit zero tolerance for any subversive elements who provide information or safe havens to bandits or support their operations in any way. He noted that it was auspicious that the CAS’ visit coincided with his meeting with Royal Fathers and Spiritual Leaders in the State, which had been convened to further galvanize their support for the Government towards dealing with the issue of armed banditry in Zamfara State. While assuring the CAS of the State Government’s continued support, the Governor gave immediate directives for the provision of additional land to the NAF.

The CAS, who was accompanied on the visit by the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Charles Ohwo as well as the NAF Chief of Logistics, AVM Mohammed Yakubu, and other senior NAF officers, was thereafter conducted by Governor Matawalle on a tour of the land allocated by the Zamfara State Government for the runway project.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

The Alimosho General Hospital has held a retirement ceremony for five members of its staff, who recently retired from active service, in view of their immense contributions in quality healthcare delivery to patients and progress of the hospital.

Speaking during the event held within the hospital premises in Igando, the Medical Director of the Facility, Dr. Madewa Adebajo, affirmed that the retirees had served the State government meritoriously and, as such, deserve to be celebrated by the hospital.

He commended the retiring staff for their integrity, hard work and diligence in carrying out their assigned duties and responsibilities while in service, stressing that their exemplary conduct is worthy of emulation by other healthcare personnel.

Dr. Adebajo enjoined all government employees, especially healthcare givers, to be steadfast in their duties and always be mindful of the legacy they leave behind or what they will be remembered for, adding that “A time will come when the years of service, no matter how long, will come to an end”.

“It is important for those in the medical circle to see their day to day activities as a service to humanity. As a Medical Officer, you come in contact with a lot of people and an opinion is always formed about you in every encounter. This is what will determine the perception that people will eventually have of you whenever and wherever they come in contact with you again”, he added.

The Medical Director, therefore, advised the entire workforce of the hospital to be kind and humane to one another and show a high level of understanding and empathy with members of the public such that their good deeds will outweigh their lapses.

The representative of the Public Service Office at the event, Mrs. Temitope Ojelabi, advised the retired health officers to pay more attention to their health and take adequate care of themselves by indulging in a quality lifestyle in order to remain healthy and agile in retirement.

She also urged the health workers to continue contributing to the various ongoing reforms initiated in the health sector by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration through their official responsibilities of prioritising the health of the citizens.

Responding on behalf of all the retirees, the former Director, Pharmaceutical Department, Alimosho General Hospital, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Bosede Chukwuma thanked everyone present at the event and advised all civil servants still in active service to be diligent and hardworking while striving for self-development in their various duty posts.

Other retired officers include Dr. Saba Taiwo Jamiu, Mrs. Kolawole Ganiyat, Mrs. Adekunle Agbeke and Mrs. Fayombo Oluremi.

LASG

HealingLagos

ForAGreaterLagos