KENNETH GBAGI: OF SERVICE ABOVE SELF
It is not often one hears good developments concerning Nigeria. It's either you read about the squander of the country's collective resources by those in positions of trust or it will be about the increasing spread of violence in various forms and scale. If not, you will be inundated with contradictory and mostly heart-wrenching tales of medieval-like lifestyle (without light, water and basic modern conveniences) in this 21st century. A flush of anger floods over one's mind as these negatives are read. Anger rooted in one's patriotic desire to see change in the country. Yes, there's something within one's soul that rebels against the decay in Nigeria and yearns for a radical movement away from the present mess the country has found itself.
As one thinks of these things, it becomes clear that Nigerian leaders have often acted as if leadership is all about “service to self” and not to the larger society. On the contrary, what Nigeria needs are leaders who recognize the need for change, have fires within their bellies to change things and have the capacity to effect the change. Yes, we need leaders who are genuinely angry about the present state of affairs in Nigeria and are not afraid of bold measures to address them. We need selfless leaders who are willing to make sacrifices for the larger good of society and not just for their personal aggrandizement. Where there is lack of courage, change cannot happen; for the courage to act is what drives the wheels of progress in societies.
With the spate of negative news emanating from Nigeria, I was gladdened when during a recent Rotary meeting in Canada, a fellow Rotarian pulled me aside and informed me that a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, would be formally honored as the first African-born member of the Rotary International's Arch C. Klumph society at a ceremony scheduled in Chicago, United States this August. With about 200 distinguished members from all over the world, the Arch C. Klumph Society is Rotary International's most exclusive and prestigious individual recognition for “top leaders and innovators” who “have made supporting peace, education and humanitarian assistance part of their personal mission” and have personal commitment to “doing good in the world”. As I understand, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, a former Chairman of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and immediate past Nigerian Minister of State for Education, is a testament of the resilience of the Nigerian spirit and a story of one's resolve to overcome all odds and advance the course of humanity.
Born into a polygamous family, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi faced the rough sides of poverty as a young man and made a personal commitment to break from its suffocating pangs not for himself but “to be in a position to help others”. In his words, “I sleep and wake up thinking of what to do to improve the lot of my fellow human being”. Through his businesses, he has empowered many and created thousands of employment for his fellow citizens. “Each time I see an individual lifted up from poverty, it gives me joy for I see myself in such a person”, he says. As Chairman of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, he fought hard for the reform of Nigerian prisons and spent huge personal resources to fight for justice for the less privileged. He has been a consistent and courageous voice against the mismanagement of resources in his native Delta state. He never lacks the courage to speak out even at his own detriment. He once complained that “Nigeria was fast receding to …where criminals get louder and honest people are made back benchers”; and as an internationally acclaimed security consultant, he insists that protection of life and property is paramount as we strive to build a united and safe nation”.
As we celebrate Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi's admission into the exclusive Arch C. Klumph Society of Rotary International, it is hoped that our leaders will be inspired by his courage and vision. To lift Nigeria up, our leaders need to sacrifice self for the greater good of society. The pursuit of power should be for altruistic motives not for pre-bendalist values. The objective of political power should be for public service, to lift the weight of poverty off the shoulders of fellow citizens who desperately cry for a redeemer. It is time Nigerian leaders wake from slumber and realize that the country can no longer afford business as usual. Those that fought hard today to change the tide of their fellow human beings will be favorably remembered by history. The time for service above self in Nigeria is now!
*Chukwudi Owo, a Policy and Management Consultant, is the President/C.E.O. of Resourcefield Inc. based in Canada