BARRON, Hazel Jane M.

POLISCI C33

Leadership and Progress

Compare the economic status of Kenya and Korea at present. Fifty years ago, Kenya has larger GDP than Korea
but currently, Korea is more industrialized than Kenya. US President Obama pointed these out during the G8 meeting in
Italy to enlighten the people on the importance of good leadership. Even the Africans themselves said that their main
concern is poor administration in their country. Same goes with Nigeria, who has the 7th largest oil reserve in the world yet,
76% of the population is below the poverty line. It was Mrs. Hilary Clinton who remarked that Nigeria’s inadequate
management brought the widespread of religious extremism, militancy and criminality in the country. Another leader that
accepts our view about leadership is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that India is in need of “wise and
experienced” leadership to overcome the challenges of modern world and unite the country instead of dividing it.

You may ask the point of these information. If we put this into context, we can deduct from the situation of Africa
that leadership is one of the causes for their current situation. Even the famous leaders of some countries believe that
good leadership is important for the progress of a nation. Leaders should be focused and have the initiative to make
improvements for their nation and not just for their self-interests. With good leadership, we can say that we are in capable
hands because we can trust our leaders in doing their jobs well in serving their constituents. Good leadership will also
unite people and bring peace in the country. Wise governance and proper leadership can lead to the improvement the
country’s economic status. Leadership is not based on the amount of power a leader acquired but on the service he/she
did for the development of his/her constituents.