To my dear Gallant Youths on African soil,
I write this article to you with nothing less than a profound heart; I could say this in a thousand ways but the nucleus remains that the time is ripe for your mark on the leadership scene. There's a saying I have (I bet you too) known through days of elementary school "you are the leaders of tomorrow." A saying that has since lost its place in the hearts of men. It doesn't matter whether you are a leader today or tomorrow but the preparation from yesterday to take over leadership today or tomorrow is vital.
Attributes a Leader Must Possess:
1. Purpose
Have you ever made an effort to identify your purpose on earth? Why you still breathe when the sun comes out every single day? We used to think player number 5 on a football pitch plays everywhere, oh how wrong we were! See, you can't create impact everywhere, you need to know where to concentrate and serve better with undivided attention. If you discover where God wants you to serve in your family, your small town back home, your country and subsequently Africa as a whole, then you focus your energy, mind, resources to develop yourself into that exceptional leader you dream to be. If you do that, you become a rarity, and everyone will be looking for you.
2. Character
Purpose to work on your character, the world runs on wheels that need reliable persons with integrity to make it a better place. Why opt for short term gains that in the end ruin your future; from stealing to using abusive language directed at people on social media? I have seen youth abuse not only political leaders but also religious leaders with filthiest of words; language and diction not fit for a leader, I am not saying you should not disagree or be a yes person but I believe we can agree to disagree in principle and respectfully.
3. Education
You (will) need both formal and informal education on this road of preparation for leadership. If it necessitates you to go for further studies, please do that. Remember where we started; know where you can serve better, so don't go for further studies without an end purpose. You may attend online courses, read books from different authors and all useful available information across the digital divide.
I'll crown by challenging you to prepare and make an impact right from where you are. Your family, your home town, your college, country & Africa as a whole need you in all areas of influence. Influence from business, religion, media to education & the political scene. Attach value to yourself, don't buy in to be taken for a ride by selfish religious, political or business leaders, some want to just use you, cripple your leadership limbs & wings. Do not be negatively influenced by social media, but rather use it to build your personal brand. Stay calm and focused because Africa needs you today like never before. Ask God for wisdom like King Solomon did and keep the African hope Alive, don't give up!
The writer is an Author of Young and Flourishing and a business leader in Uganda.
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