This is not a political post. The political atmosphere is charged, no doubt. Hence, it is not unexpected to read meaning to the subject of this post. Let me say with emphasis that as a leadership coach, the topic I chose for discourse today is more about leadership than politics and I take full responsibility for any reaction this post may attract.
I met Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) for the first time ever at the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos sometimes in 2009. The occasion was the annual Word Explosion conference of The Fountain of Life Church where Pastor Osinbajo was a guest minister. Aside the fact that Pastor Osinbajo is a friend to the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, his younger brother, Akin Osinbajo (SAN) is also a Pastor in the church.
Pastor Yemi Osinbajo spoke for about an hour and half. Before then, I have never met him physically nor had the opportunity to listen to him speak, even virtually. I still remember every detail of the sermon word for word but let us save that for another day.
I took a long sigh after his ministration and I prayed quietly that God should cause a miracle to get Pastor Osinbajo closer to the top echelon of leadership in Nigeria. Six years later, by providence and divine orchestration, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, became the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The second time I had the opportunity to listen to him at close range was when he represented President Buhari at the launch of Mr Jim Ovia’s book, Africa Rise & Shine, in September 2018. My attraction to Professor Osinbajo on both occasions was that he spoke straight from the heart. Not that he didn’t have his script on both occasions but it is characteristic of him to, always, speak straight from his heart.
Vision is at the centre of leadership. The one to lead must carry the vision. Beyond carrying the vision, he must be able to communicate the vision to get the buy in of the people he leads or aspires to lead. I do not mean that oratory prowess is equal to quality in leadership but a leader who is unable to communicate his vision will struggle to lead because he needs people to drive his vision.
Myles Munroe said something very instructive about politicians and leadership. He said politicians think about the next election but leaders think about the next generation. Without a doubt, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is an unusual politician. He not only carries the vision, he speaks straight from his heart even when he has his script by his side. He inspires hope and confidence that this generation needs to connect to the next generation.
As it applies to every human, the things you internalise are always easier for you to execute. If you have a good understanding of the subject, you are more at ease to write an examination on the subject. It is the same way you find it easier to convince your audience if you speak straight from your heart than when you are reading a script as reference.
It sounds cliche but there is no gainsaying that the people perish without a vision. A vision not communicated remains an illusion. The next time you are searching for a leader, watch him speak and see if he is speaking straight from the heart or reading a script.
Politics and leadership are intertwined but one is more broad based than the other. Mine is on leadership and I own my thoughts. Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is the symbol of my message this week. He inspires me.
©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
11 April 2022
