Why Leadership Feels Unfamiliar to Young Nigerians and How to Reclaim Its True Meaning
When young people across Nigeria express that leadership feels unfamiliar, it is not a statement of apathy or disinterest. Rather, it reflects a profound disconnect—they do not recognize what is being presented to them as leadership. In earlier eras, leadership was tangible and impactful, manifesting in decisions that directly altered daily life. Citizens could vehemently disagree with these decisions, protest against them, or even reject them outright, but they could not ignore their significance. Such leadership shifted power dynamics and carried real, palpable consequences. It was legible and understandable to all.
The Historical Context of Tangible Leadership
Growing up in a household where leadership was discussed with clarity, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode recalls that it was framed not as a status symbol but as a profound responsibility. Her father, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, is often remembered for his decisive actions. At home, the core belief was straightforward: leadership meant being truthful, owning the consequences of one's actions, and being present when it mattered most. This was not an abstract concept endlessly explained; it was something people felt in the way decisions were made and followed through.
This sense of leadership was not unique to Nigeria. Across Africa during the 1960s and 1970s, leadership was tangible because it actively disrupted existing power structures. Governments took bold positions that challenged entrenched interests and accepted the inherent risks. In Nigeria, General Muhammed's government responded decisively to Western stances on apartheid-era Southern Africa. This included withdrawing operating rights from a major multinational oil company and implementing measures to strengthen national oversight in critical sectors like banking. These were not mere symbolic gestures; they fundamentally altered who controlled resources and who bore the risks. Whether people agreed or disagreed, leadership was undeniably visible.
Elsewhere on the continent, similar decisive choices were evident. Tanzania pursued extensive rural and land reorganization under Julius Nyerere. Zambia asserted state control over its copper industry under Kenneth Kaunda. Algeria nationalized its hydrocarbon resources under Houari Boumédiène. These decisions were controversial, yet they were clear and unambiguous. Leadership during this period was characterized by a willingness to make tough choices and live with the consequences.
The Modern Disconnect and Youth Perceptions
Today, that clarity is increasingly elusive, and many young people struggle to find it. The unfamiliarity they feel is not a rejection of leadership itself but a response to how it now appears: distant, overly procedural, and often disconnected from the rapid pace and pressing realities of their lives. Leadership is frequently encountered through digital screens, official statements, and ceremonial events, but rarely through proximity or shared experiences. In a world shaped by speed, digital access, and constant visibility, expectations have fundamentally shifted. Authority is no longer automatically assumed; it is critically assessed.
What resonates most strongly with young people is not perfection or polished presentations, but genuine presence. Leadership reveals itself—and still does—in those who stay committed when others grow weary, who listen attentively before speaking, and who honor their commitments even when no one is watching. It must be close enough to be felt personally, yet steady enough to inspire confidence and trust.
Contrasting Leadership Styles and Essential Qualities
General Muhammed's leadership offers a poignant contrast to contemporary approaches. He did not lead with elaborate convoys or excessive distance from ordinary life. His movements were often direct, and his style was notably spare. This choice carried significant risk, a risk he ultimately paid for with his life, but it also communicated something essential: leadership was not meant to be insulated from consequences. It was meant to absorb and bear them.
This may be an uncomfortable idea in today's context, but it remains a necessary one. Leadership has not disappeared; it has merely changed shape. To reshape it for the present, several key steps are crucial.
Pathways to Reclaiming Tangible Leadership
First, leadership must become time-aware again. Young people live in real-time, witnessing problems unfold rapidly and expecting responses that acknowledge urgency and immediacy.
Second, leadership must be felt locally. Young Nigerians are not waiting for grand national gestures alone. They respond to leaders who show up in schools, communities, workplaces, and online spaces—and who remain engaged even after public attention fades. Proximity does not weaken authority; it strengthens trust and connection.
Third, leadership must be learnable and accessible. When leadership appears reserved for a select few, it becomes alienating. When framed as responsibility—the willingness to act, listen, and follow through—it becomes accessible. Young people need to see clear pathways to leadership, not unattainable pedestals.
Fourth, leadership must embrace genuine accountability without performative displays. Young people are not impressed by mere certainty or spectacle. They are drawn to consistency and integrity. Leaders who admit mistakes, adjust their course when necessary, and remain present earn credibility over time.
Most importantly, leadership must make space for young people not just as beneficiaries, but as active contributors. Young Nigerians are already leading in various spheres, including technology, community organizing, climate action, and the creative industries. The task now is not to include them symbolically, but to trust them meaningfully and integrate their insights and energies into the fabric of leadership.
