By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

“Man is a divine construction formed from dust—built and empowered as a divine system of and for legitimate leadership by God on earth. Through it all, the Maker, God, was patient with the entire process of creating over 7 billion expressions of His kind today, beginning from the very start. This is a perfect lesson: never sacrifice the power of excellence for the sake of time. Let us all learn the virtues of patience and mastery from the Maker. If He could do it, then so can we, having been empowered by His breath of life and created in His image and likeness. Therefore, it would be a grave error to act as though we are bastards of creation—such conduct does not glorify Him.”– Tolulope A. Adegoke

Introduction: The Seed of Significance

Leadership is not defined by a title, a corner office, or a large bank account. True leadership begins with a mindset—often birthed in obscurity, nurtured in humility, and forged in persistence. In many cases, leadership begins at zero—a point of insignificance, where visibility is low and expectations even lower. But it is from this “zero point” that greatness emerges, when rightly cultivated.

We often underestimate the potency of small beginnings. Just like the number zero, which on its own appears meaningless, yet when placed strategically can turn one into ten or a hundred, small beginnings carry the potential for exponential growth when stewarded with vision, purpose, and consistency.

The Zero Principle in Leadership

In the world of executive management, we tend to focus on performance indicators, measurable outcomes, and quick wins. But many transformative leaders did not begin their journeys with resources, influence, or acclaim. Their leadership legacy began the moment they conceived an idea or dared to dream differently.

“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream…” — James Allen

Visionary leadership does not wait for ideal conditions. It recognizes that the acorn holds an oak, the egg contains flight, and the dust of the ground can host divine breath. The power of leadership lies in this: to see what others overlook, and to ignite potential in what seems insignificant.

The Creation Blueprint: A Divine Example

Genesis 2:7 tells us, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” This powerful illustration reminds us that transformation begins with form and breath—structure and spirit, process and empowerment.

In executive management, the same model applies. Talent (dust) must be shaped (trained) and then empowered (motivated and inspired) before it can become impactful. The leader’s role is not merely to manage but to breathe life into people, processes, and possibilities.

Zero becomes a turning point when leadership intervenes.

Strategic Leadership: Transforming People, Processes and Purpose

Leadership is influence—but more importantly, it is intentional influence aimed at developing others. A strong executive leader does not discard a low-performing employee, student, or team. Instead, they ask:

• What potential lies beneath the surface?
• What is missing in terms of guidance, training, or motivation?
• How can I provide the environment necessary for growth?

Just as zero represents an opportunity rather than a void, leaders must learn to see gaps not as failures but as spaces for strategy and innovation.

A classic case is that of underperforming staff or students. While society often labels them as failures, visionary leaders choose to believe otherwise. They recognize that the very act of showing up—despite odds—is itself an act of potential. The difference between mediocrity and mastery often lies in one person’s willingness to believe, support, and lead.

Leadership as Rebirth: The Power of Belief and Motivation

Allow me to share a personal journey. I was not always an achiever. As a student, I frequently took the last position in class. Yet, I had someone who believed in me—my mother. She never scolded me harshly for poor performance. Instead, she would say, “I believe in you. You can do better.”

Those words became the wind beneath my wings. That belief awakened a force within me—a motivation so deep that it outlived temporary setbacks. This is what transformational leadership looks like—the ability to see light in someone else’s darkness, and to fan that light until it becomes a fire.

Today, as I reflect on my journey from the margins to the center, from insignificance to influence, I recognize that my mother exemplified a rare leadership trait: empathy-driven empowerment.

Organizational Implications: Cultivating a Zero-to-Impact Culture

Executive leaders must realize that:

• Every great organization was once a start-up.
• Every top performer was once a learner.
• Every innovation began as an idea—unfunded and untested.

The role of leadership, therefore, is to create a culture that values potential. This includes:

• Encouraging innovation, even in its raw form.
• Recognizing effort as much as achievement.
• Providing continuous learning and development platforms.
• Implementing mentorship and succession strategies.

A leadership culture that respects zero will never run out of value, because it knows how to generate greatness from nothing.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Visionary Leadership

As James Allen so aptly put it, “You cannot travel within and stand still without.” Leaders who impact the world do not begin their journeys with applause; they begin with vision. They do not wait for momentum—they create it. They recognize that zero is not emptiness, but potential unexpressed.

Whether you are a CEO building a global firm, an administrator leading an institution, or a teacher shaping minds—you must never despise the days of little beginnings. Never underestimate the pregnancy of zero. Within it lies the blueprint for greatness.

Leadership Mandate: Birth Greatness from Dust

Just as God created a living being from dust, every executive leader is called to create value from vision, to transform ideas into influence, and to inspire people into their purpose.

Because in the end, it’s not how we started that defines us—but how we lead the journey from zero to impact.

 Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Model Award (2024) and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN)

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

“From Akure to Owo, Ilaje to Ifedore, we are beginning to witness development projects taking shape. Road construction, health facilities’ rehabilitation, and improvements in our schools are no longer mere promises but realities” – Abiodum Faleye ( former lawmaker, Ondo North Senatorial District )

Considered from a broad perspective, leadership success and a political one at that encompasses the unfailing principles of a deep understanding of the people’s most pressing needs, prioritizing such and addressing them through well articulated policies, programs and projects. One is talking about processes that are not only people – oriented but are sustainable. It takes not only a vibrant vision but the capacity to assemble like minds who share in such vision, along with pragmatic partnerships to pilot it across the stormy waters of the freaky economic waves to the harbour of the people’s collective hope. Yet, one significant factor which facilitates the dreams to reality is that of such a leader being fully prepared for the onerous tasks ahead, a hitherto elusive factor that has hindered development across some states in the country.

Interestingly, one of such a remarkable leader whose historic emergence in Nigeria’s political landscape has kept him in the public view since he assumed office in 2023 after the demise of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu is none other than Governor Lucky Aiyetadiwa of the Sunshine State, Ondo. But has he brought a sunshine smile to the faces of millions of the good people of the state? That is the million naira question. The answer is an emphatic “yes” in more ways than one. From impactful infrastructural development, quality education and healthcare delivery, fruitful agriculture, tourism to the innovative Ondo Global he has approached the industrialization of the state from a holistic perspective.

In terms of being prepared for the job, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa comes in as a thoroughbred Nigerianu businessman and politician Unlike most of his predecessors in office who were either teachers, or a lawyer. So, his approach to governance is driven by his wealth of experience garnered from the business sector. Also, he previously served as deputy governor of Ondo State from 2021 to 2023 under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Well aware that whatever physical achievements are made in the absence of security would amount to nothing, Aiyetadiwa has sustained and built upon the Amotekun security initiative of his predecessor, Akeredolu. It is not surprising therefore, that the challenge of insecurity in the state has reduced over the past two years.

With regards to educational development, one of the most commendable achievements is the employment of over 2,000 teachers in both primary and secondary schools.The construction and renovation of schools are also a testament to the governor’s effort in making learning convenient and attractive for learners.This would reduce unemployment by providing jobs for many youths. By this he has demonstrated Bill Bradley ‘s statement that: ” Leadership is by empowering others to become better.

Equally praiseworthy is the payment of 82.6 percent of the state’s debt, which has gone a long way in stabilizing our financial system and restoring confidence in the state’s economy.

On infrastructural development for which he keeps receiving accolades,
his administration’s resolve to revive and complete several abandoned projects left behind by previous governments is praiseworthy. So is the construction of the 7km road at Gbangbalogun axis at Akure stands out. There is also the reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 60 kilometers of roads across various parts of the state. Apart from their even distribution this effort is making transportation easier for the citizens while improving access to economic and social opportunities. This is commendable, is it not? Of course, it is. But there are more reasons to understand why the people of Ondo State are full of praises for one of their own from the backwaters of Ilaje, currently becoming a game-changer in the state’s political history

In a similar vein, in the health sector, the governor’s intervention in upgrading 102 health centres has largely improved access to primary healthcare delivery. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for food security, availability, and rural development are exemplary. As the major cocoa producer in Nigeria, there is growing focus on chocolate processing, with several initiatives aimed at boosting local value addition. The drawback however, is that a large portion of the beans are traditionally exported as raw material, resulting in a missed opportunity for revenue generation. To address this, the state government and private investors have been developing cocoa processing facilities, including the Johnvents Cocoa Processing Factory, to increase the amount of cocoa processed locally.

The state is actively pursuing the development of a deep-sea port at Araromi Seaside, also known as the Ondo Sea Port. This project is considered a key part of the state’s economic development strategy, with plans including a 75-kilometer stretch of unbroken Atlantic coastline and an adjacent Free Trade Zone. The deep-sea port is envisioned to be located two kilometers offshore. The governor has also emphasized the need for synergy among security agencies to protect border communities, which is likely related to the port development and its potential impact on the region.

“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. The process began under the last administration, and I’m committed to completing it. The deep seaport will be the first in Nigeria capable of handling modern vessels,” he added.

To bolster the vision of industrialization, Ondo and Bauchi states have partnered to attract $2.6bn investment to Ondo state.The high-level meeting, held recently in Akure, focused on plans to establish a fertilizer production and harmonial plant, alongside a petrochemical facility, all projected for completion within the next 12 months. The investment, is spearheaded by Residents Group Cement, with Dr. Abbas Waziri, Executive Director who accompanied Governor Mohammed on the visit. It is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy to create thousands of jobs, and enhance agricultural and industrial development.

In all of these outstanding achievements what make them impactful are predicated on the factors of being pro-people, employment generating, bearing improvement on the Human Development Index, HDI and sustainable. And as the seasoned journalist, who is the newly appointed Commissioner of Information, Idowu Ajanaku rightly highlighted they are inclusive and open to critical analysis,to bring out the best in them. That reminds us of the saying that: “Leadership is practised not so much in words as in attitude and actions” as aptly stated by Harold Geneen.

Very jittery about the coalition, and it should rightly feel so.

If coordinated properly, they have the capacity and numbers to upstage APC, from national politics.

If they manage to do it, it will be well-deserved.

The neo-liberal economic policies embarked on by BAT has shrunk the economy brutally.

The country has shrunk far more economically after removing fuel subsidy, particularly when electricity is still non-existent, raising production costs infinitely and lowering spending, making it a double-whammy for millions.

Electricity costs have been double even when its generation, distribution and transmission hasn’t improved significantly blunting claims of Nigerians needing to pay humongous amounts if they want electricity, even if several examples exist of Countries in the Global South with far more reasonable electricity charges with even more access to electricity.

Let’s now add devaluation, that skyrocketed costs of goods in an import-dependent economy and ran more millions into penury.

War-level inflation, rising costs of living, food prices off the ceiling.

And what they have been told is that, that is the only way to rejig the economy.

The supposed billions stolen by subsidy thieves hasn’t been retrieved, and perpetrators jailed.

Customs officials that permit fuel smuggling that justified subsidy removal weren’t arrested and jailed.

Yet, the people who weren’t responsible for these lapses were told to stomach these lapses and adjust to “SAP” tightening adjustments.

Minimum wage of 70k has still not been paid, what was done was a cynical 40k wage award across levels. This after fuel went from 185 to over 900 naira in some places, and skyrocketing prices of goods quarter-by-quarter.

In 2000, When Olusegun Obasanjo raised minimum wage from 250naira to 5500 naira, and Federal civil servants pay raised from 3500 to 7500, it triggered the phrase “GBEMU AREMU” (Aremu’s Largesse) that raised national income and subsequent spending across several sectors.

Teachers would buy Opel cars prompting applause when it was announced on assembly grounds, and several civil servants started building houses leading to a construction boom.

Federal contractors are being owed despite government claims of record revenues, and gaslighting statements of more allocations being accrued to Governors.

Let us now go back to pet peeves about allocation of projects.

Gilbert Chagoury’s HITECH got awarded the “Lagos-Calabar coastal road”

The same Chagoury’s HITECH got the Sokoto-Badagry road.

The same HITECH was awarded Benin-Akure-Ilesha road.

Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road was taken from Julius Berger and handed to HITECH.

Chagoury’s ITB also got $700m port revamp contract.

BAT says Alex Zingman who got the $250m contract to bring in tractors from Belarus is his friend.

When major contracts are given to closet accolytes in a family&friends scheme, how will the economy grow, when fairness is out of the window.
Multi-billion dollar contracts are being handed out attimes with no bidding to preferred contractors whom the President openly calls “His Partner” (Chagoury).

This is the samee Chagoury who returned $66million to Switzerland to get his conviction expunged.

He paid $300million to Nigeria’s government to protect him from prosecution for his role in helping General Sani Abacha loot the country by transferring National funds abroad.

Abacha’s special friend tha helped launder money abroad is BAT’s advisor and confidante whose companies get no-bidding contracts and people are to keep quiet.

Yet, APC stalwarts will attempt to gaslight people by saying “Relax, economy is getting better, BAT knows what he is doing”, even when diaspora Nigerians who come into the country exchange their Pounds and USD into Naira, and still cannot cope with the skyrocketing prices.

People are being told to sacrifice, while they see the Presidency buy yatch, new vehicles and Presidential Jet.

If it’s the ADC that will come and trigger the APC, we are all in for it.

Even if several of the characters in ADC have been in government for years. Distributed stealing is much better for the economy than singular appropriation.

Perhaps, when Nigerians change governments over and over, politicians will sit tight and apportion some efforts towards working for masses and treat people with some level of respect.

And the coalition should watch out for Aregbesola, the main reason that has given the coalition impetus. He is not a man who gives half-measures. And he is coming for revenge.

There is no fight as interesting to watch as tight buddies turn into implacable foes.

Knowing him, Aregbesola would likely have control of Lagos ADC, where he would bring in many elements of APC currently disaffected and angry into the party.

Being more conservative than even Tinubu, he would avoid trap of filling positions with non-Yorubas.

What would ensue in Lagos, with an Aregbesola-controlled ADC will be a fight for the ages, people who knew “Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu” before he became “Asiwaju” or “Jagaban” would be brought into the fray.

Imagine for example, Muiz Banire, as Governorship candidate. Prominent families, in Lagos will be split down the middle, as Aregbesola comes for the jugular.

And woe betide APC, if the North refuses to vote for them and APC loses the Presidential election.

It makes the task of dismantling even Lagos from Tinubu’s hold after 28 years easier.

Tinubu’s current yes-men gaslighting people about economy should continue telling people all is well, even when economy squeezes people out.

In 2 years, they might lose everything. Both Federal and beloved Lagos.