OPINION: Owelle Mbaso Speaks on Impact & Leadership

Impact is what results when two objects forcibly come together. In physical terms, impact suggests an explosion; a change of some sort in the previous condition of the two objects that come in contact. It suggests the application of force, a movement by two things towards each other or one thing towards another. In human terms, impact might not necessarily imply an explosion. It rather hints at the occurrence of change or growth or increment in the previous order of things. In Leadership terms, impact is the occurrence of a desirable change.

Since independence, Nigeria’s greatest toothache has been leadership. Nigeria is blessed with a whole universe of talent. There are great athletes, fabled entrepreneurs, virtuoso musicians, world class writers, prodigious inventors and master craftsmen and women. But Nigeria has yet to produce an outstanding leader. It has to be said though, that the founding fathers were truly remarkable in their domination of their environments and in the choices they made for their people.

Indeed, the Great Zik, Awo and Ahmed Bello left a large mark on the wall for succeeding generations. Before them, charismatic ancestors like the Fulani Jihadist, Uthman Dan Fodio, King Jaja of Opobo, Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and Nana of Itsekiri had all shown that impactful leadership was not alien to Sub Saharan Africa. However, it is as though there has been a disruption in the production line…as though men and women are no longer made in the same mould as these epic leaders.

Of course, once in every while though, we catch rare glimpses of greatness in the present crop of leaders. But such instances are few and far between. Nevertheless, their rarity stirs enough curiosity for a close look.

All things considered, impact is the best measure of leadership. There’s no better way to judge a leader than in his ability to induce a desirable change, hopefully, a pleasant change in the order of things than he met them. A great leader must induce a rupture, nay, a seismic shift in the landscape of his universe.

He must cause a ripple in the river of the people’s imagination, kindle self-belief and hand the people a new mirror to see themselves and almost dutifully embrace the road they must follow; to make a difficult choice seem a necessity and to make sacrifice seem an article of faith.

A great leader must have the capacity to see best, when his eyes, like others around him, are closed. He must be able to make his people see without the aid of their eyes and feel without the keenness of a touch. A great leader must have the presence of a knife edge; he must be felt without contact! That is impact. A great leader must have an impact!

Above all, in the toolkit of every great leader must be found; a vision, a resolve and best of all - faith! Truth be told! Governor Willie Obiano has had a phenomenal impact in just two years!