Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, has emphasized that the search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires a fundamental attitudinal change and collective effort from all citizens.
Adegoke stated this on Monday while presenting a paper titled “Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria” at the Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
He noted that despite over two decades of democratic governance, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges of poor leadership, corruption, weak institutions, and lack of accountability. According to him, democracy is not just about holding elections but about the active participation of citizens in ensuring good governance and merit-based leadership selection.
“Democracy is a system of government that derives its power from the people. However, our democracy has been weakened by poor governance, corruption, ineptitude, and lack of accountability,” Adegoke said.
He explained that leadership goes beyond titles or positions, describing it as the art of influencing people through integrity, vision, commitment to public good, and accountability. Quoting various leadership experts, he noted that true leaders make others better through their presence and ensure their positive impact lasts even in their absence.
Adegoke identified integrity, transparency, empathy, and commitment to the public good as the core characteristics of quality leadership. He also outlined the six emotional leadership styles — affiliative, authoritative, pacesetting, democratic, coaching, and coercive — stressing that effective leaders know when to apply each style based on circumstance.
On the role of citizens, Adegoke urged Nigerians to be more proactive in demanding accountability, supporting institutions that promote good governance, investing in education and critical thinking, and participating actively in the electoral process.
He said: “The search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires attitudinal change, collective and collaborative efforts of every Nigerian. We must work together to build a nation where leaders are chosen based on merit, not mediocrity.”
The paper presentation was part of activities marking the 2025 Press Week of the Oyo State NUJ, themed around strengthening democracy and leadership integrity in Nigeria.
Governor Seyi Makinde has his was represented at the event by Chief of staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi congratulated the leadership of NUJ for and members of the union on this year NUJ Press week and urge the media to remain steadfast in their move to promote balance, equity and justice and ensuring a peaceful environment
Comrade Demola Babalola Chairman of the union earlier in his opening remarks said this year press week is a valedictory week for his administration having completed two terms of six years
He used the ocassions to appreciate all stakeholders and supporters that have been consistently supporting the union over the years
Oyo state speakers Hon Debo Ogundoyin and Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke were honoured
Dignitraies at the event includes Speakers Oyo state House of Assembly Hon Debo Ogundoyin
Chief of staff to Governor Makinde, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Special Adviser Labour matters to the Gov Hon Bayo Titilola Sodo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Dr Sulaiman Olanrewaju among others
