Leadership, sacred trust not for personal enrichment – Emir of Potiskum

The Emir of Potiskum, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, asserts that leadership is a sacred trust dedicated to serving humanity, not for personal enrichment. Reflecting on his life's journey, which spans from teaching and service in the Nigerian Prison Service before ascending the Potiskum throne in 1994, the first-class traditional ruler believes each phase has equipped him for his responsibilities.

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Service to humanity has always been my guiding principle. Every stage of my life has been guided by the belief that whatever position Allah places you in should be used to serve humanity sincerely.

Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya explained that his guiding principle has always been service to humanity. His experiences as a teacher instilled patience and fairness, while his career in the prison service provided lessons in discipline, administration, and leadership. He views his ascension to the throne as a culmination of these experiences, preparing him to serve his people more effectively.

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The teaching profession taught me how to develop people, while the Nigerian Prison Service taught me discipline, administration and leadership. When I eventually became the Emir of Potiskum, I realised that Allah had been preparing me throughout those years to serve my people more effectively.

A defining moment in his life occurred when traditional institutions in Yobe State were dissolved shortly after he became Emir. Despite being technically a federal officer eligible to return to the Prison Service, he chose to remain with his people, a decision he does not regret. He maintains that leadership success should be measured by the peace, unity, and progress within the community, rather than wealth or political influence.

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I do not measure success by monetary wealth, but by the peace, unity and progress within the community. Leadership must always be about service, not personal gain. A leader should wake up every day thinking about how to improve the lives of his people.

The Emir urged public office holders to place the welfare of citizens above personal interests, stating that only selfless leadership can guarantee sustainable development. He believes that when leaders prioritize their people, the nation makes meaningful progress.

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When leaders put the welfare of the citizenry above personal interests, the nation will make meaningful progress.