There will always be opinions and discussions about traits that are important to strong leadership. But there’s one trait that every successful leader must have, and that’s compassion.
It simply means the willingness to be kind to others, to feel their pains and have the burning desire to help in times of need. Yes, it is about relating to what others experience and being there to assist them to remove the barriers, burden and hardship.
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Yes, one of the driving forces of exemplary leadership is compassion. Exceptional leaders must have empathy for their subjects. They are selfless and often pull others out of their troubles or frustration. They walk their talk.
With the terrible rainstorm that destroyed homes, killed and injured many in Damaturu, Yobe state capital, Governor Mai Mala Buni felt that there is urgent need to provide relief to the families and victims of the natural disaster to cushion the hardship been faced.
Indeed, its that sense of compassion that moved the governor to pay a visit to victims of the rainstorm at the State Specialists Hospital, Damaturu to sympathise with them over the unfortunate incidents and gave cash donations to each of the victims on sick bed.
Its that same sense of compassion that moved the governor to direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure the free treatment of those who sustained various degrees of injuries and to provide the victims with emergency relief materials to cushion their hardships.
In times like this, the governor understands that what the people need most is compassion and being a compassionate leader, his thoughts were all about how to help the victims overcome the hardship, and give them hope that their leader is there for them when they need him most.
Truly, a governor of compassion, Buni would never see a magnitude of such disaster in any part of the state and not be moved to do something. In fact, his burning desire is to tackle the causes of such disasters such as the construction of new roads and drainages and tree planting programmes embarked upon by his administration.
By these acts of compassion, Governor Buni continues to show love and care that is as spotless as his trademark sparkling white Babbariga and signature cap “progressive”. The gesture also underlines his enduring commitment to enhance the living conditions of his people and ameliorate their sufferings.
Yusuf Ali, Media Officer, All Progressives Congress (APC)
