When the President leads from the front
By Chukwuma Ambrose Ohaka
Leadership, at its most effective, is not just about issuing directives from the comfort of Aso Rock. It is about presence — visible, tangible, and inspiring. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to frontline troops in Katsina State was a rare but powerful demonstration of this principle: leadership from the front.
As Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu’s decision to personally visit soldiers engaged in the fight against terrorism sends a resounding message, not just to the armed forces, but to the nation at large. In a time where security forces are battling insurgents, bandits, and other threats across Nigeria’s northern flanks, this kind of presidential visibility is a strong morale booster. It reaffirms the nation’s support for its soldiers and renews their sense of purpose.
For many troops, particularly those deployed in harsh, remote, and hostile terrains, motivation does not solely come from equipment and logistics — it also comes from knowing they are seen, valued, and remembered. The sight of the nation’s number one citizen standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, listening to their concerns, and appreciating their sacrifices, is a psychological reinforcement that cannot be quantified. It assures them that their service is not in vain, that the lives of their fallen comrades are not forgotten, and that their efforts are a central priority of this administration.
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Moreover, this gesture sets a tone for operational excellence. When a leader shows up physically, it compels commanders to rise to the occasion, to put their best foot forward, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and responsiveness. President Tinubu’s visit is not just symbolic — it is catalytic. It is a call for renewed vigor, improved strategy, and national unity in combating insecurity.
However, while the visit to the troops is commendable, it also provides a template for engagement across other critical sectors of the economy. Just as the President recognized the importance of boosting troop morale through personal presence, the same principle should apply to education, health, power, agriculture, and industrial development. Nigerians want to see a President who doesn’t just delegate reforms but actively drives them. If the President can lead from the front in the security sector, imagine the transformational impact of leading from the front in stabilizing power supply, revamping public universities, or ensuring food security.
Leadership presence in these sectors — through direct oversight, site visits, unannounced facility inspections, stakeholder dialogues, and measurable commitments — would awaken a new sense of urgency in public officials and create a ripple effect across government agencies. It would also reassure Nigerians that the government is not disconnected from their daily realities.
As such, President Tinubu deserves commendation for this timely and strategic engagement with the troops. It is a refreshing deviation from the distant leadership style that has characterized some past administrations. But it must not end there. This momentum should be sustained and replicated across all areas of governance.
The President’s visit to the Katsina troops has shown what can happen when the Commander-in-Chief leaves the comfort of his office to be with his men on the battlefield. It is a powerful reminder that in times of national crisis, the most potent weapon of a leader is not just policy — but presence.
Indeed, when the President leads from the front, the nation follows with confidence.
