Reminiscing the kindheartedness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and empathetic leadership traits of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON is enough to draw inspiration from. Methinks, one of the most important characteristics a leader must genuinely have is emphatic. For without empathy, the direct consequences are failure, confusion, and inutility.
At a time like this, we must draw inspiration from those who have lived a life of spartan patriotism; those who genuinely live for others; those who exhibit astute humanitarianism; and whose lives revolve around making humanity a better place. Without mincing words, Atiku Abubakar is a typical example of a man who has over the years “walked the talk” of these rare human values that are worthy of emulation.
Nigeria is presently in a dire situation with citizens living in unprecedented times laced with hunger, pain, senseless loss of lives, and hopelessness, and she is currently being led by people who not only lack the requisite empathy but also seem lost and out of touch with reality. The very fabric of our society is breaking down. We have never been so divided as a Country. We have never had it this bad as a people.
Spotlighting the good deeds and philanthropic antecedents of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at this material time is to inspire hope, motivate Nigerians with the spirit of looking out for each other, and ignite the core Nigerian values of community lives where we are our brother’s keepers. Just like Atiku, we must begin to relate with ourselves more with empathy, and also reach out to ourselves in love.
While T pain is dishing out National pain, daily, we must hold ourselves to brace the hard times and elevate our humanity more. Being inspired by the words of Atiku Abubakar “It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children”.
Instructively, for the greater good, we must emulate a man whose sterling antecedents of coordinating and initiating several interventionist programmes —Education, SMEs, mentorship, financial leverage, human capital development, mentorship, skill acquisition, entrepreneurial setup, financial assistance to provide succour to victims of natural and unnatural disasters, empowering IDPs, etc. To mention but a few. Indeed, Atiku Abubakar is a philanthropist of repute. We should all follow this path of living for others.
Michael Oyewole writes from Ilogbo-Ekiti