There is no gainsaying the fact that lack of quality leadership is the bane of the Nigerian society.Despite our country's enormous human resources we are still in want of a crop of individuals who possess, albeit at minimal levels, the attributes of transformational leaders. From the success stories of western societies to the recent developments in south-east Asia, the quality of leadership has always defined the path of development of a given society. Though many pundits have come to argue that Nigerian problems cannot be completely blamed on poor leadership, that the ability of a leader to remain focus to his promises depends on the willingness of the followers to constantly gauge his actions. No doubt, quality leadership requires an active and participatory followership. However, effective and purposive leadership remains the engine on which societal development revolves. This is because leadership is a complex process and there is a deep reservation as to what extent certain set of qualities, standards or competencies can effectively encapsulate the nature of what makes certain leaders successful and others less successful.

The only practical way to define leadership, therefore, is by making references to leaders whose actions have impacted positively to their followers. Afterall, the whole idea of leadership will be an effort in futility if the people remain in precarious economic situation.

On the 29th of may 2011 Imo state was divinely given a new breed of leader, one whose leadership idiosyncracies remains unmatched by his contemporaries. Governor Rochas Okorocha, a man of few words but greatly endowed with the characteristics of what defines leadership. leadership is all about empathy; knowing where the shoe pinches. Governor Rochas Okorocha has never failed in putting smiles on the faces of Imo people because he knows where the shoe pinches.

During his electioneering processes, governor Rochas Okorocha pledged to transform Imo state to be the envy of other states and to surpass the achievements of his predecessor, the highly revered Sam Mbakwe of blessed memory. Let me quickly give a recap of the governor's promises to Imo people to enable me underscore his achievements within his few months in office. In the course of his campaign the governor stated that his government will revolve around emploment generation, environment and tourism, security, housing, education, science and techonology, youth development, women empowerment and religious harmony. Within few days in office governor Rochas Okorocha paid off all pension arrears, declared free education, free feeding in schools, provision of school uniforms, reduction of Imo state University students' school fees and commenced the construction of all major roads in the state.

In the area of employment creation the governor has started very well, first by ensuring that the state has a conducive environment necessary for businesses to strive. Many roads have been built and many others upgraded.The government has also put inplace various programmes aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship. First is the introduction of practical Education System (PES) which will help develop such creative areas such as mechanic, carpentry,fashion designing, film production, craft making etc. All these are currently operational at the Imo Vocational Village establsihed in the three senatorial districts.

No doubt Imo state is the entainment hub of south-east and south-southern Nigeria. Mere coming to owerri, the Imo state capital, on a typical weekend will automatically convince you that the entainment industry in the state is booming. All these wouldn't have been possible without an environment where nature lives in hamorny with human encroachment.Imo has been variously adjudged the cleanest and most peaceful state in the federation.

Also, within his few months in office governor Rochas Okorocha has shown clear determination to transform imo state to be the epicenter of learning in modern Nigeria. From his free education programme upto the university level to the proposed expansion of the state owned university. This means that a child can go to school from nursery to the university without paying a dime. For Imo university student of Imo state who is currently studying in an Imo state owned institution, each will get N100,000 per school year, out of which 70,000 will be the bursary for the school fee and 30,000 as loan/grant from the state. After graduation and the graduate starts working, then the graduate can pay the 30,000 grant to Imo state coffers. This is a laudable initiative.

The whole idea of education resolves around the learner and the first thing is to ensure that the learner has a better frame of mind to undertake academic pursuit. This, the governor has done by ensuring that students, irrespective of their family background, will have enough fund to finance their studies. This is done every where in the world.Most of the educational models being currently articulated by Rochas are derived from the advanced societies of Japan, Singapore, south-korea etc.

It is my conviction that Everybody is supposed to be given the opportunity to be educated, even up to the university level. There is nothing wrong in every body getting university education contrary to what some people might want us believe. It is erronous to assume that not everyone is expected to go to the university. What is actually wrong in making everyone attend the university if i may ask? Nothing absolutely. The problem only lies in the failure of the Nigerian leaders over the years to create opportunities where people can effectively utilise the skills and knowledge they learnt at the university towards the development of the society. The Japanese trained engineers, scientists, economists etc wouldn't have done much if the government did not create the right atmosphere that enhances inginuity and creativity. The university is a place for intellectual awakening, and there is nothing wrong in ensuring that every body passes through this mental transformation process.And on this the Imo state governor deserves commendation.

The precedent being set by governor Rochas okorocha is something every Nigerian leader has to emulate, especially the state governors. Governor Rochas Okorocha is a transformational leader, one whose leadership capabilities transcends ehtnic, regional and religious compartments. These are the attributes of great leaders like Awolowo in the old western region, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello etc. These qualifies are also examplified by such rare leaders like Nelson Mandella of south-Africa, Lim kuan yew of Singapore and Mahathir of Malaysia.

Thomas Carlyle observed in his Great Man Theory that the traits of leadership are intrinsic, maintaining that great leaders are born and that great leaders will rise when confronted with appropriate situation. Why I do not subscribe completely that leaders are born not made it will be appropriate to state here that governor Rochas Okorocha combines both the features of the Great Man theory and the characteristics of the transformational leader.

Good leaders are rare to find and often difficult to maintain without being carried away by the arrogance that comes with power.Therefore, if Nigeria is desirous of finding its foot on the ladder of development and a voice among the comity of developed societies, then leaders such as governor Rochas Okorocha need to be given every necessary support to enable him remain focus to the Nigerian vision.

Comments Page: 1 posted on 02-17-2012, 08:12:28 AM Denker Re: Governor Rochas Okorocha: A New Dimension To Leadership ....good writeup, ma dear. posted on 02-17-2012, 10:01:03 AM Nezie Re: Governor Rochas Okorocha: A New Dimension To Leadership The Imo state governor is better described by the phrase: a phenomenon. If since 1999 half of Nigeria's state governors had been in the mould of Okorocha, the country's educational system and its landscape would have been transformed for good. posted on 02-18-2012, 09:17:51 AM Kelechi Re: Governor Rochas Okorocha: A New Dimension To Leadership Credit where it is due, well done to Governor Okorocha. Go to the Full Discussion Thread Comments Page: 1