How to Measure a Leader's True Impact

In the 9th century, Cordoba in Spain used oil lamps on their public streets. By 1417, the Mayor of London, Henry Barton, told people to hang lanterns outside their homes. As the need for better lighting grew, by 1792, engineer William Murdoch invented practical gas lighting with coal gas. Then in 1807, Frederick Albert Winsor introduced the first public gas street light in Pall Mall, London.

Around the world, some of the greatest legacies are built not just through money or political power, but through a real commitment to improving lives. Bill Gates, through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has given over $100 billion to global health and development. Warren Buffett has promised to donate tens of billions to charity. MacKenzie Scott has directed billions to organizations in education, health, and community development. Their actions show a simple truth: real leadership is about giving, not just getting. More and more, global standards measure influence by the lives changed and opportunities created, not by titles.

I sometimes scroll through social media to see what's happening in our society. One day, I came across Mr. Aderemi Abass Oseni's page. As someone who supports nation-building through the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, my work focuses on partnerships with government agencies and civil society. This means I have to stay neutral and not support any politician. I have never met Mr. Oseni, and we have no previous connection. But I believe that good deeds should be recognized, no matter the political side they come from. It was with this mindset that I looked more closely at Mr. Oseni’s work, and I was impressed by the consistency and development focus of his philanthropy.

In a time when many people doubt politicians because of broken promises, citizens want proof of change. Leadership should be judged by results. Are more children in school? Are young people finding jobs? Are vulnerable families living better lives? Are communities healthier and safer? These are the questions I thought about as I looked at Mr. Oseni's public service record. His approach shows leadership that prioritizes human development over politics.

The evidence speaks for itself. In March, he gave out ₦100 million to 820 traders and vulnerable residents, offering grants of up to ₦1 million to help small businesses. Just three months later, he invested another ₦90 million in market traders across nine local government areas to boost micro-enterprises and improve incomes.

Understanding agriculture as key for food security, his office supported over 7,000 farmers with fertilizers and tools. His efforts also include community projects like boreholes, streetlights, electricity transformers, and better access to clean water. He has even helped traders affected by the Iso Alagbo market fire with a ₦20 million aid.

Through the Remi Oseni Foundation, students in need have received help for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exams, along with scholarships for further education. The Foundation also started the Remilekun Food Bank and subsidized food markets for vulnerable families. Medical outreaches have provided health screenings, medications, and eye care for the elderly. There is also the ₦250 million Work Tools Empowerment Programme for members of the Blacksmiths, Welders, and Metal Technicians Association of Nigeria, which is significant because these tools can help generate income long after the support.

These are vital efforts that deserve recognition. But they also lead to a bigger question: what happens when philanthropy meets Nigeria's vast needs?

Nigeria has many challenges, and no single donor can solve them all. The latest figures from FAAC show how much public money is circulating. In July 2026, the Federal Government, states, and local councils shared ₦3.007 trillion. The Federal Government got ₦1.146 trillion, states received ₦943.352 billion, and local councils got ₦673.649 billion. An extra ₦243.478 billion was given to states as part of the 13 percent derivation revenue. From January to July 2026, all three levels of government shared about ₦15.997 trillion through FAAC. These numbers are important because they highlight that Nigeria's problem is not just about money. It is also about how we prioritize resources and turn them into public goods.

So, the question is not just about whether the government has money. The real question is: What are we doing with it?

While we celebrate individual efforts, the broader picture in Nigeria is concerning. The National Bureau of Statistics found that 63 percent of Nigerians, about 133 million people, were poor in its 2022 report. Food insecurity is also a big issue. The World Food Programme estimates that around 35 million Nigerians are facing severe food shortages, with many others living in tough situations. These are not just numbers. Each figure represents a family making hard choices about food, health care, education, and rent.

Nigeria has made some progress in healthcare, and that should be acknowledged. The Federal Ministry of Health says over 37,000 health workers have been hired for federal hospitals since 2024, and there are more nurses and midwives now. Yet, there are still huge gaps. Nigeria's doctor-to-population ratio is about one doctor for every 5,000 people, while the WHO recommends one for every 600. The nurse-to-population ratio is about one for 2,000, compared to one for 300, and many health workers are in cities. Many primary healthcare centers also do not work well.

Another major concern is the cost of healthcare. WHO data shows that many families pay a lot out of pocket for health services in Nigeria. For many, the issue is not just about having a health facility nearby but whether they can afford to use it. In this context, philanthropic health programs are important. But the bigger challenge is to create systems so that Nigerians do not have to wait for charity to access basic healthcare.

The same goes for security. Nigeria faces issues like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. The effects go beyond those directly involved. Security also affects the economy, food supply, youth, and development. If a farmer cannot safely reach his farm, he cannot produce food. If a trader cannot transport goods safely, his business will not grow. If a child cannot go to school safely, their education suffers. This is why all development efforts must be connected.

And let’s talk about our youth.

Nigeria is a young nation. UN data says Nigeria’s population will be about 237.5 million by 2025, with around 48.8 million people aged 15-24. The youth population is even larger when you consider those aged 15-35. This is not just a statistic. It is either our greatest chance for growth or a big risk.

Empowering young Nigerians should go beyond just giving cash. Cash can help in the short term, but skills provide job opportunities. Vocational training increases employability. Apprenticeships create job paths. Market access leads to business growth. A strong industrial policy creates jobs. An economy that harnesses the energy and creativity of young people brings dignity and prosperity for all.

This is where Nigeria needs to think bigger.

We need to look at how we produce goods, how we finance production, how we support agriculture, build manufacturing, develop human capital, attract investment, create jobs, and connect local businesses to national and global markets.

China's development experience offers lessons. Not because Nigeria should copy it, but because it shows what can happen when economic change is a long-term goal. Over about 40 years, China lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty. The World Bank credits this to broad economic growth, market reforms, better agricultural practices, industrialization, infrastructure, education, targeted poverty reduction, and good governance.

The lesson for Nigeria is not just to hand out money.

It is to build an economy where people can produce, participate, and thrive.

We also need to pay more attention to our aging population. Nigeria is young, but it is also getting older. The number of people aged 60 and above is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This means we cannot ignore how we care for our elderly today.

Nigeria has taken steps in this area. The National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 set up the National Senior Citizens Centre, focusing on the health and wellbeing of older Nigerians. We also have a National Policy on Ageing and a Strategic Roadmap on Ageing 2022-2032.

But policies must lead to real change. Research shows gaps in healthcare access, financial security, and elder care. The pension system does not cover everyone, especially those who worked informally.

This is where philanthropy, the government, and businesses can work together.

Why can't we have well-equipped homes and community centers for the elderly? Why shouldn’t companies support elderly care as part of their social responsibility? Why shouldn’t local leaders make programs for older citizens a priority? Why shouldn’t organizations sponsor meals, healthcare, and support for seniors? Why don’t we train a new generation of professional caregivers?

We can. And we should. There are examples from around the world that we can learn from.

Canada shows a good approach. It doesn’t just focus on creating institutions for the elderly. Canada helps older people stay safe and independent in their homes and communities as long as possible. Their home care can include nursing, personal care, social work, meal delivery, and transportation. Long-term care facilities are also available for those who need full-time support. Canada also offers income support through programs like Old Age Security for eligible seniors.

Denmark provides another useful model. Local governments handle a lot of elderly care, including home care and accommodation. Older people who cannot live independently can get the proper housing or nursing home care based on their needs. Local governments can also support family caregivers.

Neither model is perfect. But that’s not the point. Best practices mean continuously improving systems.

These examples suggest that care for the elderly should not rely solely on generous relatives or donors. There should be a system.

This brings me back to Mr. Remi Oseni.

I commend his efforts. I appreciate his work. I value his focus on traders, farmers, students, vulnerable families, and elderly citizens.

But I want to highlight a bigger issue.

The next step is institutionalization.

We need a more organized approach that identifies needs, measures outcomes, and implements solutions.

Imagine a system that maps households facing food scarcity, unemployed young people, people with disabilities, isolated elderly, children at risk of dropping out, and communities without healthcare. Imagine this data being updated regularly and used to design solutions. Imagine every naira spent having a positive social impact.

This is how philanthropy can change from simple generosity into a development framework.

A philanthropist can build a home for the elderly. But a stronger approach would be to create an entire elder-care system involving the government, businesses, hospitals, universities, NGOs, and trained caregivers.

This conversation should not only focus on philanthropists. Local leaders should also take note. The recent FAAC figures show that resources are reaching all government levels. The 774 local governments alone received ₦673.649 billion from the July 2026 allocation. A philanthropist can distribute food. But a more effective strategy could combine emergency food support with agricultural programs, food processing, market access, and nutrition initiatives.

A philanthropist can give young people cash. But a more impactful model could link start-up funding with vocational training, tools, apprenticeships, market access, mentorship, and procurement opportunities.

That’s the difference between providing relief and building resilience.