Tunde Bakare: Leadership Isn't a Caree, It's a Calling

Pastor Tunde Bakare, Founder and Chairman of the Citadel School of Government (CSG), emphasized the urgent need for transformative leadership in Nigeria during a recent graduation ceremony in Lagos. He expressed hope for a nation that works for all citizens, pointing to the pivotal role of newly graduated leaders in achieving this vision.

Speaking to the 69 pioneer students who completed a nine-month course in Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, Bakare underscored the importance of viewing public office as a sacred trust. “Leadership is not a career; it’s a calling to serve a greater purpose,” he asserted.

As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, Bakare highlighted the increasing complexity of governance challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and a crisis of trust between leaders and citizens. He called for leaders who prioritize the common good over personal gain, equipped with the competence and courage to effect real change.

“You are not just leaving with a diploma; you hold a framework for governance that transcends political and ethnic divides,” Bakare told the graduates. He urged them to lead with integrity and humility, recognizing that the people they serve are the very foundation of their leadership.

The Executive Director of CSG, Omoaholo Omoakhalen, echoed Bakare’s sentiments, encouraging graduates to justify the faith placed in them by striving to build a functional Nigeria. Meanwhile, Prof. Sunday Adebisi from the Lagos Business School stressed that the nation’s future hinges on the capability of its leaders to mobilize resources effectively.

Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, reinforced the need for a new breed of leaders, calling for a redefinition of leadership as a responsibility rather than a mere title. He urged graduates to focus on building sustainable systems that will outlast them.

Bakare’s address resonated with the graduates, who represent a new wave of leadership poised to break the cycle of incompetence and corruption in Nigeria. As they step into their roles, they carry the hopes of a nation eager for responsive and responsible governance.

In a world grappling with numerous challenges, Bakare’s call for ethical leadership and a commitment to excellence stands as a clarion call for Nigeria’s future. The nation awaits these new leaders to bring fresh ideas and transformative solutions to the forefront of governance.