As the great saying goes, “leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge.” This quote resonates deeply with Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), a gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Nigeria, who believes that effective leadership is the backbone of any successful nation or organization.
AKK emphasizes that leadership demands a great deal from those who take on the responsibility, requiring a blend of vision, strategy, and people skills. He firmly believes that leaders must prioritize the needs of their people above all else, making a tangible difference in society, rather than merely occupying a position or wielding power.
In his own words, AKK declares, “The true test of leadership lies not in the titles we hold, but in the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve.” This mindset is evident in his motivation for seeking a leadership position, which stems from a genuine desire to see into the possibilities of change and truly strengthen future generations.
AKK’s commitment to serving others is unwavering, and he is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. He recognizes that leadership is not just a title or position, but a mindset and a commitment to serving others. It’s about putting the needs of your people first, being accountable for your actions, and leading with integrity.
As AKK prepares to dive into the fray of politics in Nigeria, he will first take a brief detour to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (lesser hajj), a sacred pilgrimage in Islam. During this time, he will pray for Nigeria and Oyo state, seeking guidance, protection, and wisdom. He will also ask for patience and perseverance, acknowledging that navigating the complexities of Nigerian politics will require a miracle or two.
AKK’s vision for Oyo state is one of a new era of leadership, where the needs of the many are prioritized over the interests of the few. He is ready to roll up his sleeves, listen to the concerns of his people, and work tirelessly to address them.
As AKK embarks on this journey, he invites everyone to join him in praying for Nigeria and Oyo state. He encourages people to seek guidance, protection, and wisdom, and to ask for patience and perseverance. Together, they can work towards creating a better future for all.¹
In the spirit of prayer and unity, we can draw inspiration from various prayers for our country, such as those found in (link unavailable) and Cru. These prayers remind us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, protection, and wisdom, and of prioritizing the needs of our people.²
Let us join AKK in his commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. As we strive for a new era of leadership, let us remember that the true test of leadership lies not in the titles we hold, but in the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve.
