Renowned leadership expert and nation builder, Fela Durotoye, has pinpointed a fundamental shift in personal mindset and accountability as the critical solution to Nigeria's persistent national challenges. Durotoye shared his insights during a recent interview on The Exchange Podcast, hosted by Olufemi Soneye.
The Core Crisis: A Failure of Personal Responsibility
Durotoye, the founder of the Gemstone Group, framed Nigeria's issues as a direct result of a widespread "crisis of personal responsibility." He delivered a blunt message, stating that the most difficult truth for many citizens to accept is their own individual significance. "Your lifestyle matters. Your choices matter," he asserted, warning that the nation's transformation is not a task that can be delegated to others.
He elaborated that authentic change begins and expands with the individual. For Durotoye, credible public leadership is impossible without first being practiced in private. "Leadership is not what you perform when people are watching," he explained. "It is who you are when nobody is applauding." He further rejected the idea that inspiration must stem from public recognition or wealth, noting that the simple gift of life is reason enough to act responsibly.
Inspired by the "Impossible": Durotoye's Driving Philosophy
When asked about his personal source of inspiration, Durotoye offered a profound perspective centered on pursuing daunting goals. He revealed that a single word defines his motivation: "impossible." He expressed a deep fascination with attempting feats that others deem unachievable, identifying comfort zones as the primary barrier to progress.
He cited Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, as a major influence, quoting him: "If an endeavour is not nearly impossible, it is not worthy of human pursuit." This mindset, Durotoye said, has guided his life's work. He believes that if an idea is widely considered crazy or unfeasible, it likely indicates the right path. He criticizes societies that grow stagnant by merely explaining problems instead of actively challenging and solving them.
A Daily Creed for Discipline and Integrity
Durotoye described his inspiration as both spiritual and disciplined, rooted in prayer and a focus on unseen possibilities. He disclosed a rigorous personal ritual: reciting a self-written creed aloud within the first 15 minutes of each day, sometimes repeating it multiple times for focus.
The creed is a comprehensive vow to live by core principles:
- Commitment to a lifestyle of leadership and excellence.
- A pledge to draw out the best in oneself and others.
- A promise to always do the right thing, irrespective of others' actions.
- A dedication to living with integrity and honour.
He emphasized that this practice acts as his moral compass, providing essential guidance when venturing into uncharted territory. "When you're trying to do things that have not been done before, you need to know where you will not go, no matter the temptation," he stated.
Clarifying His Role and Reaffirming Hope
In a related note, Durotoye recently clarified his current status within the government. He addressed rumors of an appointment under President Bola Tinubu, explaining that his role as Senior Special Assistant on National Values and Social Justice ended in March 2024, after a brief, unpaid six-month tenure that began in October 2023.
Concluding his interview, Durotoye returned to his central thesis for Nigeria's revival. He reaffirmed his belief that the nation's destiny is tied to a collective transformation in thinking. "If we can change the way we think about what is possible," Durotoye concluded, "we will change everything." His message remains a call for every Nigerian to embrace their power and responsibility in shaping the country's future.
