COUNTING THE COST AND REWARD OF LEADERSHIP: Evidence fro the Gulf States. I don’t know about you; for me, every now and then in my quiet moments, I reflect on news of the day, the transforming landscape of emerging economies like the Gulf states, Brazil, and Asian countries, and the state of African countries. While the Gulf States are repositioning themselves for a great share of the world economy, a country like Nigeria is only busy plotting who to assume the mantle of presidency and governorship in 2015. While governments of emerging economies are busy investing in education, road networks, air transport hubs, science and technology and health, Nigerian government and politicians are busy forming and realigning political parties and allegiances. While oil producing states are diversifying from oil rent dependency in preparation for the future of electric cars and low demand for crude oil, Nigeria and its government are busy developing formula for oil block allocation to the favoured, and revenue sharing formula for state governors. While the developing countries of the Gulf, Asia and the Americas are redefining themselves and the value of their citizens to the world, Nigeria is busy running and maintaining a governance system that is too expensive and too advanced for it, and by ill-equipped, ignorant, selfish, unpatriotic and corrupt politicians. The end result is over-dependence on oil rent, importation of food in a country blessed with huge agricultural resources, Boko Haram, endemic level of corruption at all levels, poverty, brain drain, sub-standard education, healthcare and judicial system, despite billions generated from oil rent. To Nigeria and its politicians, presidency is no longer about leadership and carving a prosperous future for a nation and its people but a symbol of religious, tribal and regional supremacy. Therefore rather than vote capable candidates to chart a new prosperous roadmap for the nation, deadwoods are elected into office in the name of tribe/religion. Change will never come until the youth of Nigeria transform their mind-sets. Voting does not deliver democracy or prosperity. It is the quality of leadership that makes a nation and its people. Here is a case study for you: From November 17- 21 Dubai hosted its biennial air show outside the newly constructed Al Maktoum Airport. It is the citys second international hub and predicted to be the worlds largest and busiest when completed. Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum was at the show and supportive of the new airport and mega deals that followed. The Gulf region has positioned itself to dominate air industry in the world. They have prepared the people and the nation for a future with or without oil rent. These are small countries in comparison to Nigeria. Homegrown leaders and not American or European experts are running these countries. The leaders of the Gulf countries, Brazil, India, etc., have one head, two arms and two legs just like Nigerian and other African leaders. Success between these countries and those of Africa are light years apart. For example, based on the vision of the governments of the Gulf States, the three big airlines, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways ordered 393 new commercial planes for world air travel dominance. This is the breakdown: The Abu Dhabi based airline Etihad: 56 new wide bodies including 25 777X planes, 17 of the biggest 777-9X variants and eight of the 777-8X version. This order is for 2018 out to 2025/2030; additional 87 Airbus jets worth $26.9B at list price, including 50 A350 aircraft, the twin-aisle competitor of the 777X currently in development. The airline is also set to be the biggest operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with a new order for 30 of the new planes. Dubais Emirates: $76B deal for 150 Boeing 777X planes, plus an additional 50 Airbus A380s, worth $23 billion, to bring its order of the superjumbo up to 101. The airline currently operates 39 of the worlds largest commercial jet. Doha-based Qatar Airlines: Impressive figures for Boeings 777X with a $19B order for 50 of the aircraft. Youths of Nigeria and Africa in general, wake up. Make use of your vote and intellect to elect capable, patriotic and visionary leaders. Europe and America have had enough of African migration in search of better life. There is no place like home. However, how you make your bed is how you lie on it! No matter how long and how many generations it takes, African leaders and their descendants must be held to account for the plights of our citizens, home and abroad. Europe and America are not the source of our problems. Whiteman is not the source of our problems. Colonization can no longer be held responsible for the sins of our leaders, many years after independence. It is the leadership of our continent that has failed us and failed the richest continent in the world – Africa. Always remember this! Please see for yourself the fruit of great leadership and patriotism; access this link: youtube/watch?v=qfun1MVKGK0
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:20:20 +0000
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