Nigerian Political Leaders.
Abdullahi M. Ashafa2015, Nigerian Political Leaders.
One pi the major chillenges for the Nigerian state in the contemporary period is the question of responsible and patriotic leadership. Nigeria is endowed with countless human and natural resources, but due to lack of self- less, committed, and focused leadership, the country is continuously sinking into backwardness, corruption, and underdevelopment. The example of the first generation of nationalists and leaders in Nigeria such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Soko- to, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, if well studied and emulated, could re- direct the present generation of leaders and politicians to pursue selfless ser- vices and good governance to their people. This chapter examines the contri- butions of the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, 1957-1966) to national unity and development, the qualities of his leadership, and his selfless service to the people. These qualities are presented with the goal of pointing out some visions and specific practical legacies that can be emulated by current Nigerian leaders, for national reorientation and re-generation. BALEWA: A BR