AWARDS OR INVESTITURES, local, national or international conferred on citizens of a country are significant honour, usually in recognition of citizens’ contribution to national growth and development. Awards serve more to motivate and promote enterprising leadership and good governance. In the absence of these objectives, awards become mockery.
Late Martin Luther King’s family, led by his wife, Naomi Barbara King, Monday, in the Council Chambers of Presidential Villa, Abuja, presented to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari what is described as “First Black History Month National Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award 2018”.
Lauretta Onochie, Buhari’s Special Assistant on Social Media shared pictures along with statement that: “President Buhari receives the First Black History Month National Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award 2018 from Martin Luther King’s JNR Family”.
“Dr Mrs. Naomi Barbara King led other members of the African-American body to the conferment. The Award was presented to him in Abuja by the Family of Martin Luther King led by Luther’s Wife. Martin Luther King’s Wife said PMB won this award because of America’s recognition of his Anti Corruption war, urging him not to be deterred!”
Distinguished Martin Luther King’s, Jnr Family Awards on “…Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership”, is coming to Nigeria, at a time when the Nigerian nation and its citizens seem to be at a cross-road with leadership and good governance, according to analysts. They believe that enviable leadership and good governance that impact positively on lives and national growth should earn awards.
Leadership and good governance demonstrate to all who desired “change” that status quo is unsustainable. Leaders create in the minds of those governed very compelling picture of a vision of how much better things would be soon after “meaningful change” is realized.
Leaders clearly demonstrate that in a “change” — “business-as-usual” is not an option. Leaders establish direction of what the “new and better change” will lead to. Analysts believe the present government that got elected into office on the mantra of “change” has no significant “real change” to show in good governance and leadership. It has been “business-as-usual”.
The difference between good governance “change efforts” that impart positively on lives and well being of citizens and nation; and one that bogs down and fails to achieve objectives and damages a nation and its people may not quickly be realized when leaders dance to praise singers tunes.
