Nigerian News Leader Politics

By Russ Harris

1. Confidence is a Skill, Not a Trait Confidence can be developed and strengthened with practice and effort.

(A critique of Ifeoma Chigbogwu’s Transformational Leadership: A Guide for Empowering Executives published by Ifeoma Speaks TV, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024)

Ever since Jim MacGregor Burns, the American presidential historian, used the term, transformational leadership, in 1978, and Bernard M. Bass, the academic, wrote well-received scholarly papers on it a few years later, the concept has seized the imagination of not just social science and business researchers, but also practitioners, politicians, and the general public. Whereas scholars and other experts view transformational leadership -- which is differentiated from transactional, charismatic, authoritarian, authentic, situational, and servant leadership styles, among others -- as technically the ability to inspire and motivate followers to attain unexpected levels because the followers see them as caring and working for the common good and as role models ethically and professionally, the public sees transformational leadership as the ability to bring about positive radical changes within a short period. Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan pledged, on coming to office in 2010, to provide transformative leadership given the enormity of the development challenges paralyzing a nation that the revered former Vice Alex Ekwueme, a polyvalent intellectual, described as “a miracle waiting to happen”.

By Judea Pearl

1. Beyond Correlation, Embrace Causation: The book emphasizes going beyond simply observing correlations and delving deeper into the "why" behind phenomena. It encourages seeking evidence-based causal inferences to avoid misleading associations and make effective decisions.

(A poem on the present situation in Nigeria)

By Ifemesia Iferenta (Furious Frank)

emilokan squats

and squeezes with ease

the very life

out of endangered skeletons

that rattle without synchrony

timidly aspiring

to humanhood claims

skeletons rattle across

the streets of chagrin

- skeletons that cringe from liberating laughters

skeletons that wear wizened masks

they deign to call “human faces”

yet the noose tightens

and tortures the fortitude

that now ebbs into a groan

squeezing out droplets of blood

that form little puddles

of muffled protests

at the calloused feet of emilokan

and many startled skeletons

wave goodbye

at the thresholds of eternity

and with sighs that seem to say

“it is finished, it is finished

Copyright: Ifemesia Iferenta (Kambili Kamanda), 3.30 p.m, Wednesday, February, 21, 2024. NNL.

By Chinedu Nsofor

Introduction:

Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, the governor of Imo State, Nigeria, made security the top priority in his first tenure as governor. Indications are that security will remain a priority for the governor in his second term, which commenced on January 15, 2024.

By Shubham Kumar

This book, "You Become What You Think" is a potent exploration of the power of our minds and how our thoughts shape our reality. It's a roadmap for cultivating a positive mindset and unlocking your full potential. Here are 10 key lessons from this transformative book:

1. Your Thoughts Are Your Architects:

Imagine your thoughts as bricks and your life as the house they build. Every positive thought, every belief in yourself, is a sturdy brick adding strength and stability. Negative thoughts, like cracked bricks, weaken the foundation and limit your potential. Kumar emphasizes that we have the power to choose our thoughts and become conscious architects of our own lives.

2. The Power of Mindfulness:

Think of your mind as a garden. Weeds of negativity can easily sprout and choke out the flowers of positivity. Mindfulness is like tending to your garden, weeding out negative thoughts and nurturing positive ones. Through practices like meditation and introspection, we become aware of our inner landscape and learn to cultivate a healthy mental space.

3. Reframing the Narrative:

We all have stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we're capable of. Sometimes, these stories become limiting beliefs that hold us back. Kumar encourages us to identify and challenge our negative narratives. Ask yourself, "Is this belief truly serving me? Can I reframe it into something empowering?" By rewriting your inner story, you rewrite your destiny.

4. Action Fuels Thought:

Positive thinking is powerful, but it's not enough. We must also take action to bridge the gap between our dreams and reality. Kumar reminds us that true transformation comes from aligning our thoughts with our actions. Set goals, take concrete steps, and persevere in the face of challenges. Remember, action fuels thought, and your journey begins with the first step.

5. Gratitude Unlocks Abundance:

Focusing on what we lack breeds scarcity. Instead, Kumar encourages cultivating a practice of gratitude. Appreciate the good things in your life, big and small. When we shift our focus to what we're grateful for, we open ourselves up to receiving more abundance in all its forms.

6. Find Your Purpose:

What sets your soul on fire? What makes you feel truly alive? Discovering your purpose is not just about finding a job; it's about aligning your life with your deepest values and aspirations. Kumar encourages us to explore, experiment, and listen to our inner compass. When you live purposefully, every step becomes meaningful, and every challenge an opportunity for growth.

7. Embrace Challenges as Stepping Stones:

Life is not always smooth sailing. We will encounter obstacles and setbacks. But what defines us is not what happens to us, but how we respond. Kumar teaches us to view challenges as stepping stones, and opportunities to learn and grow. When we embrace adversity with resilience and a positive attitude, we emerge stronger and wiser on the other side.

8. The Power of Forgiveness:

Holding onto anger and resentment is like carrying a heavy weight that slows us down. Kumar encourages us to practice forgiveness, not for others, but for ourselves. Let go of past hurts and negative experiences. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and move forward with a lighter heart. Forgiveness liberates us to live in the present and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

9. Invest in Relationships:

Human connection is essential for our well-being. Kumar emphasizes the importance of nurturing positive relationships with loved ones, friends, and mentors. These connections provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Invest in your relationships, and they will become a source of strength and joy throughout your life.

10. Continuous Learning is Key:

The world is constantly changing, and so should we. Kumar encourages us to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Read books, explore new ideas, and step outside your comfort zone. The more we learn, the more we grow, and the more equipped we are to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of life. NNL.