The trajectory of a nation’s ascent to greatness is often shrouded in a complex interplay of variables, which, when carefully calibrated, can propel a nation towards unprecedented heights of prosperity and influence. One of the most critical factors in this equation is the presence of visionary leadership, which possesses the acumen to craft and implement policies that advance the cause of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. This leadership must be adept at striking a balance between competing interests, juggling around the complexities of geopolitics, and making tough decisions that prioritise the long-term interests of the nation over short-term gains. The annals of history attest, nations that have been blessed with such leadership have consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of multiple realities of world order.
A sensitive but vital component in the anatomy of great nations is their capacity to invest in human capital, and recognise that the true wealth of a nation lies not in its natural resources or material possessions, but in the intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience of its people. This necessitates a commitment to education that is nothing short of revolutionary, one that marries critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration and not memorization, rote learning and standardized testing. The secrets to innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress, and creating a virtuous cycle of growth and development can be sustained over generations. We have examples in nations like Finland, Singapore, and Canada, they amply demonstrate how investing in human capital is the surest route to birthing a society that is capable of competing, adapting, and thriving in this world.
Perhaps more crucial variable in the equation of national greatness is the presence of robust institutions, which serve as the bulwark against the vagaries of politics, the whims of individual leaders, and the corrosive influence of corruption. These institutions; including an independent judiciary, a free press, and an apolitical civil service provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure that power is exercised in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner. Entrenching the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and promoting transparency and accountability, robust institutions live a reality that is conducive for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, similarly attracting the best and brightest talent from around the world and gaining a spirit of national pride and cohesion. As the examples of nations like Sweden, Denmark, and New Zealand illustrate, the presence of robust institutions is the sine qua non of national greatness which provides the foundation upon which all other variables are built.
If we go more deeper into the anatomy of great nations, it becomes increasingly evident that sustainability is the central cohesive source that holds the entire edifice together. The ability to intentionally invest in continuity, stability, and sustainability is what distinguishes nations that are merely good from those that are truly great. It is this capacity to think long-term, to prioritise the interests of future generations over short-term gains, and to cultivate a sense of shared ownership and responsibility that enables nations to build institutions, infrastructure, and social systems that endure. We should be struck by the realization that each of these advanced nation, at some point in their history, made a conscious decision to give eminence to sustainability over expediency, and to invest in the creation of institutions and systems that can withstand the test of time.
Indeed, one of the most striking features of advanced nations is their ability to maintain a sense of continuity and stability, even in the face of changing governments and leadership. This is not coincidental, it really defines the fact that these nations have invested in the creation of robust institutions, norms, and values that transcend the ephemeral nature of politics. In countries like Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Japan, for example, the idea of a shared national vision and a commitment to long-term sustainability is deeply ingrained in the culture and psyche of the people. As a result, even as governments come and go, the underlying vision and values remain intact, and that provides a sense of stability and continuity that is essential for long-term progress and development. This is a lesson that other nations like mine would do well to learn, as well, the subnational entities.
It is very sacrosanct to emphasise the place of sustainability and continuity in governance cannot be swayed for some other mundane excuses which are merely pushed when it is politically convenient, – it enables nations to build upon their successes, to learn from their failures, and to create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility among their citizens. Nations that give prominence for short-term gains over long-term sustainability usually create disposability and expediency, in which institutions, infrastructure, and social systems are sacrificed on the altar of political convenience. In contrast, nations that prioritize sustainability and continuity are able to build strong, resilient institutions that can withstand the test of time, and to create a sense of shared purpose and direction that inspires and motivates their citizens. In my reflection on the lessons of history, it becomes clear that sustainability and continuity are not optional extras, but essential components of any successful nation-building project.
It is very fundamental to underscore and reiterate the significance of sustaining a political party’s vision and ideals as a sine qua non for meaningful progress, both nationally and especially at sub-nationals. This imperative is rooted in the recognition that the implementation of transformative policies and projects is often a protracted process that necessitates a long-term commitment to a clearly articulated vision. In the case where there is absence of such continuity, there is risk of perpetuating policy somersaults, where each successive administration seeks to dismantle the achievements of its predecessors, thereby consigning our nation to a perpetual state of stasis. By contrast, the sustenance of a political party’s vision and ideals enables us to build upon the gains of the past and create a cumulative momentum that propels the people and state towards its developmental aspirations.
The imperative of sustaining a political party’s vision and ideals is further underscored by the need to organise a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In the absence of policy continuity, investors are often deterred by the uncertainty and unpredictability that accompanies each change in administration, as such, depriving the state of the much-needed capital and expertise required to drive growth and development. I strongly believe that the sustenance of a political party’s vision and ideals enables the strengthening of its institutional memory, have the lessons of the past inform the decisions of the present, to ensure that there is no repeat of the mistakes of history. When and if we give premium to continuity and sustainability in governance, we can create a virtuous cycle of growth and development that is underpinned by a shared vision and a commitment to the long-term interests of our society.
~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, January 31, 2025
