Adenrele Onikosi, an executive leadership coach and the Head of Faculty at the Maverick Manager Leadership Academy, has issued a passionate plea for Nigerian leaders to demonstrate greater empathy towards their citizens.
“As leaders, we must recognize that empathy is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership,” stated Onikosi. “Our political leadership needs to demonstrate a lot more empathy for the people, exercise restraint in their duties, and be accountable and transparent in their dealings with citizens, especially in communication. If we expect citizens to make sacrifices, we must lead by example.”
Onikosi, who also holds memberships in the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (MCIPM) and is a Licensed Human Resources Practitioner with the HRPL designation from the CIPM, emphasized the importance of intentional leadership development at all levels of society.
“Leadership development cannot be left solely to the government or employers of labor,” Onikosi explained. “It must start at home, with parents providing leadership through their life examples to their children. Teachers in our schools must serve as role models for the society we aspire to build. Governments must implement deliberate programs for leadership development, drawing lessons from successful models such as Singapore’s strategic investment in education and talent development.”
Reflecting on common leadership pitfalls, Onikosi underscored the need for leaders to confront the challenges inherent in their roles.
“Leadership carries significant responsibilities,” Onikosi cautioned. “Leaders must be prepared to shoulder this weight and prioritize their obligations over personal perks. One common mistake is for leaders to believe they are personally popular or esteemed, when in reality, it is the office they hold that garners respect. Leaders must focus on building a legacy that transcends their tenure, while effectively managing stakeholders’ expectations.”
