Mentorship has been the way through which more experienced, more skilled and usually more elderly person passes his experience, expertise, knowledge etc to the younger person. From education to politics, business to occupation Mentorship is instrumental to the continuance of flow of wisdom from one generation to another.
The history of the Nigeria's founding fathers is undoubtedly that of heroes and legends who wrote their names in gold in the books of history. But, looking at today's Nigeria, one would be right to say that the wisdom of those great men have not been successfully passed down to today's generation.
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| BOLA AHMED TINUBU APC Presidential Candidate |
Among the six geo-political regions of the country, South West has distinguished itself. The region seems to uphold the principles of mentorship. From Sir Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Akintola, Aare M.K.O. Abiola and now Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Yoruba Leaders have been producing leaders who subsequently would takeover from them. They deliberately 'build' people; they sow the seeds and look after them until the grow into large formidable and strong iroko trees that can hardly be trampled or tempered with by just lilliputians if I were to borrow Shattima's word.
The successful emergence of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is a testimony of the presence of mentors and continuance of political mentorship in Yoruba land.
Asiwaju, for the past two decades has been working; influencing the appointment of some of his mentees in strategic government's positions, politically supporting his allies and subordinates to attain to power and building political bridges and structures across the country.
The man waited patiently until when it is time, the time for the Jagaban to reap the fruits of his labour, the time when Amaechi has support from within; the time when Lawan seems to have the blessings of some party juggernauts, the time when some northerners feel that only a Northerner can defeat the opposition's candidate. At this precious time, Bola Ahmed 'summoned' his mentees across the length and breath of the country and alas, they answered! They come in their thousands with all the vigor and support the Jagaban needs.
Despite the eloquence of Osinbajo, the grammar of Ayade, the blunt of Yahaya Bello, the doggedness of Amaechi and 'appeal for sympathy' of the aspirants from the South East, Bola emerged victorious, defeating them hands down.
This 'political war' fought and won by the South westerner may compel one to ask, where are the Asiwaju's of other regions? Can somebody from the North East, North West or North Central brag of having the capacity to do something similar to what this septuagenarian did?
The likes of Sirs Sardauna and Balewa do not longer exist in the North, and nobody is following the footsteps of Hassan Usman Katsina, Sir Kasim Ibrahim, Aminu Kano and many other patriots - the mentorship thread is apparently broken. Though, North has been boasting of having great and influential leaders but the problem remains that none is willing to 'nurture' his successor.
While Atiku was busy contesting to become the president right from 2007, Kwankwaso was busy fighting Ganduje and so'on Bola Tinubu was busy, making sure his candidates become governors in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos etc; he was influencing ministerial nomination; he was making sure he appoint Vice President; he was working to bring Bankole, Ahmed Lawan Gbajabiamila etc; He was 'building' people. Because he believes even if some choose to betray him, many others will not.
The lesson Asiwaju taught most of our leaders especially from the North is that, if you have a plan of twenty years, start mentoring people who will help you achieved it right from today and more importantly, look beyond your family and kinsmen when choosing your proteges.
Another point of note is that, you will mentor a person who may rise to a position that you have never attained. This is normal and don't get upset when the person tried to rub shoulders with you, just be focused, determined and strategic in your dealings.
Dear Northern leaders, as a governor, Senator, Representative etc, make sure that you mentor another person who may likely takeover from you. Succession is natural, if you did not breed anybody, someone may grow on his own and come to fight and overtake you one day. Mentor your proteges today to have loyal mentees that will always be proud of you tomorrow.
Gombe State
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