The Search for A New Nigeria (21): Role and Influence of Opinion Moulders, Leaders of Faith -By Richard Odusanya

Religious leaders are often the most respected figures within and outside their communities. Likewise, educators and opinion moulders exert a considerable amount of influence particularly in the spheres of behavioural pattern of a given society. Ideally, a good leader seeks and commits his ways to the Lord and the Lord establishes the next steps. In the same vein, the preparations of the heart belong to man, while the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

The Holy book in Job 32:8 says, “There is a spirit in a man but the inspiration of God Almighty gives them understanding.” We are all shapers of each other’s character and moulder of each other’s destiny. It is easy to stand with the crowd, go along with the group as well as think and do what everyone else is doing. However, it is essential for the categories of leadership mentioned above to have the courage to stand alone when going along with the crowd is what is popular, as the situation is today in our society.

Leaders of faith, destiny and opinion moulders are distinguished personalities who wield tremendous amount of influence. Their persuasion goes beyond the spheres of their immediate communities, just as their views are widely accepted and trusted. Thus, they influence public opinions including those of their congregations.

Like the scriptures puts it, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. The admonition was taken further in Mark 10:45 where the holy book says, “For even the son of man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Christ leadership style was characterized by compassion, love and servant-leadership. Christ did not use His leadership to acquire power or amass wealth and popularity in his earthly mission. Instead, He used His leadership to uplift those in need.

Within the Muslim faith, it is on record that the revelation shared by the messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (c 570 – 8 June 632) turned out to be the foundation of the holy Quran and the Muslim religious belief being practiced all over the world today. “Let your light reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God’s words and trust the process.”

In sync with our continuous search for a new Nigeria therefore, it becomes incumbent on every well-meaning citizen to align with the precepts of divine intervention through the instrumentality of the grace that rests upon the different categories of leaders of faith and to some extent, opinion moulders.

The journey to the biblical Promised Land can only be actualised by an unwavering commitment on the part of every one of us. The African renaissance symbolizes the triumph of African liberation; emancipation from centuries of ignorance, intolerance and slavery mentality of which our dear country, Nigeria is a central element.

In view of the enormous influence known to be exerted by the categories of leaders in context, it will not be out of place to recommend that more of such influence be used in putting adequate pressure on those managing our affairs and resources. The managers of our resources need to be prevailed upon to be more prudent, resourceful, circumspect, selfless and fair-minded in their approach to governance. More pressure should be mounted on them to be more on the side of peaceful coexistence towards stemming the level of mutual acrimony and current nepotistic tendencies that have become deep-rooted among the different federating ethnicities.

Thus, for an enduring mutual trust to be rebuilt and confidence regained by all would desperately require a sincere and holistic leadership approach coming from our respected religious leaders.

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE (ACRI).