Exemplary Leadership and National Development: A Focus in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the positive attributes of exemplary leadership within the context of national development concentrating on Rivers State, Nigeria. It looked at the concept of leadership, effective leadership, exemplary leadership showing exemplary governors in the state with innumerable developments in all sectors. It further illustrated fundamental practices relevant in achieving exemplary leadership that translates to national or state development. The paper concluded that leaders should imbibe a patriotic, selfless and committed behaviour that employs effective and efficient use of resources to achieve positive developments. It further recommended amongst others: Governors should emulate positive foot prints of the four governors presented; more attention in the development of tourism in the state. Finally, it proposed a framework to empirically examine the relationship between exemplary leadership and national development in Nigeria.