Insights for Leading

John C. Maxwell was right when he stated that “ the quickest way to gain leadership is by solving problems .” His well-meaning assertion was focused on the dispositions of individuals towards problems; while some folks merely analyse problems and pass blames, some others take up the responsibility of solving them, and hence, become the people’s favourite. That earns for them a considerable measure of influence among people upon which they can build on to establish great leadership. But truth be told, while leadership is about solving problems, it entails much more than that! Being a problem-solver does not necessarily make one a good leader, however, a good leader is a problem-solver. This implies that good leaders prioritize people ahead of problems in their interest. Problem-solving helps to earn you influence, but it does not completely sustain that influence. Eventually, people will not care how much problems you solve until they know that you care about them primarily....

I have been rethinking the gains and pains of democracy, especially in recent generations in this our geographical clime. When we say that government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people, we need to consider that we are making government a people business. Notwithstanding the profoundness of its definition set forth by the iconic Abraham Lincoln, we need to consider the context it works best and hence, avoid overstretching its boundaries. For example, Abraham Lincoln had every right to describe democracy that way because he epitomized its very essence, but in Africa today, it only makes the people vulnerable and national/continental development an Utopian dream. Democracy structures politics as a business transaction between aspiring individuals and the people. And when you underscore the fact that the masses that always make up the majority are usually partially educated and cannot appropriate their interest well enough to make choices based on ...

Beloved Jesus Corper, Gracious greetings to you! There is an apostolic remark that well summarizes the intent of my writings to you, ‘ For me to the same things to you, it is not tedious, but for you it is safe ’. Yes, I do not consider it laborious to pen down these things; they are however my contribution to your success in youthful service particularly in NCCF, and generally in the NYSC scheme. Wherever there are people, there is bound to exist laws, not for their destruction, but on the contrary, for their edification. So laws make us responsible and accountable to one another; and if one is really committed to them, they help him to develop and evolve soundly over time. Now, I want to be specific about two of these laws. Of course, there are many of them and they differ across various states; however, some are generally applicable and are enshrined in our constitution. One of the general laws is that which pertains to language: it is stated that apart from English a...

Hello Jesus Corper, Gracious greetings to you. As one who has been inclined to service and leadership all through my school days and was privileged by grace to bear such mantle also in NCCF, I understand that the health of a fellowship depends largely on the attitude of members to leadership. ‘Strike the shepherd’, said Jesus, ‘And the sheep will scatter.’ This is one reason I’m making great emphasis on relating rightly to leadership. Practically speaking, leadership is a delicate subject and I started highlighting this at the close of my previous epistle. It is delicate to stand between God and man! To strike the balance between authority and servant leadership is not easy, especially when a mind is closed; so as you read, please open your heart and trust God to broaden your perspective. Perhaps, a more pathetic point to note in this regard is that leaders sacrifice in ways you don’t know. There is much demand on their time, health, finance, emotional and spiritual reserves...

Hello Jesus Corper, Gracious greetings to you. Indeed I always feel blessed to write to you, and my joy has been on constant increase ever since. I want you to know that for us as Senior Friends of the Family, you are our pride, the crown of our labours during our respective tenures in NCCF. In my previous epistle, I wrote to furnish you with understanding of the essence of rules in NCCF Family House. And most times, where rules exist, we expect to have ‘rulers’ who uphold the rules by exemplifying and enforcing compliance to them. They are the ones against whom we measure ourselves. In our own setting, we refer to them as leaders, and categorize them according to their differing levels of responsibility; and to them we ascribe great honour and respect. These Leaders are Jesus Corpers like you and necessarily so, in order for them to relate with your peculiar experiences as Christian Corps members; and hence, to be considerate enough when upholding the rules among you. But...

Hello Jesus Corper, Gracious greetings to you. By now you know that if you merely couched to endure the regimentation of the NYSC Camp with the intent that you will be free from such once you get into the NCCF Family house, you are wrong. As a matter of fact, there are perhaps more rules and regulations in the Family House than there are at the Camp which you came from. Many Jesus Corpers have often argued that the family house ought to be free from such rules, because we are no longer under the law but under grace; moreover, rules merely make us shallow and religious rather than authentic in our dealings with God and man. While I might agree partially with them, I have a better understanding and posture of heart, given my first-hand experience of living in the family house and being the chief enforcer of compliance to the rules during my tenure there. It is therefore a noble intent for me in this epistle to enlighten you as well as guide you to effective use of the rules, i...

Hello Jesus Corper, Gracious greetings to you. With regards to the point I made while rounding off the previous treatise, permit me to offer you here a scriptural understanding of the body of Christ as a family so as to help you fortify your heart. Do you remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan? Okay, sure you do. Now, consider that the man in the story is the natural man in reality; the thieves are Satan and his cohorts (of course, you remember John 10:10); and the Good Samaritan is Jesus the Saviour Himself. The inn is the Church while the Innkeeper is the Holy Spirit. We all have been in that miserable situation after the devil has dealt severely with us. Christ met us, and mercifully gave us salvation as first aid; then He took us to the Church to find a family, with the Holy Spirit as the Supreme Physician there to facilitate our recovery. So again I say, if you ever expected that you will meet a bunch of perfect people in the family house, you are wrong! If you th...