The debate over whether leaders are born or made continues to this day. However, it is widely acknowledged that leaders possess the capacity to either build something significant from scratch or bring down a thriving empire.
By Fikir Gilitsi
His is an example that can inspire Africa and its leaders who can borrow leaf from Azerbaijan’s late charismatic leader who would have turned 100 on May 10th.
The people are undoubtedly an essential component in the rise, growth, and development of any society. However, the leader plays a vital role, often shouldering the lion’s share of responsibility in driving progress forward.
Wednesday May 10th marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, a charismatic and revered leader who serves as a prime example in the debate surrounding the nature of leadership.
Born on May 10, 1923 in Nakhchivan, which was then part of the Soviet Union and a territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan now, he ascended to power in 1993, at the request of the Azerbaijani people, during a time of crisis for the country. Prior to this, he had served as the ruler of the former Republic of Azerbaijan from 1982 and was responsible for transforming the country from an agrarian industry to a dominant industrial nation. He also played a vital role in securing the inclusion of the Azerbaijani language in the constitution of the Soviet Union during his time as a member of the Politburo and First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
In 1987, Heydar Aliyev resigned from his key positions in protest against the treatment of the Azerbaijani people by the leadership in Moscow. He stood by his people during the tragic events of January 20, 1990, known as Black January, and demanded justice for the crimes committed against the people of Azerbaijan.
When he was elected president in 1993, Azerbaijan was facing economic and social challenges as well as illegal aggression from Armenia and various domestic armed and criminal groups. Heydar Aliyev’s experience, knowledge, and leadership abilities enabled him to identify the country’s strengths and weaknesses and develop ambitious plans and policies to address these challenges. With the support of the Azerbaijani people and international partners, he led the country to prosperity in economic, social, political, scientific, and cultural spheres. He was a remarkable leader whose name is inextricably linked to the history and identity of Azerbaijan and whose contributions extended far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan.
One of the most significant achievements of Heydar Aliyev’s leadership was the development of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. He recognized the enormous potential of Azerbaijan’s natural resources and worked to attract foreign investment and expertise to develop the country’s oil and gas reserves. This helped to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, and today Azerbaijan is a major producer and exporter of oil and gas.
Heydar Aliyev also worked to promote Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and to foster an inclusive and harmonious society. He recognized the importance of preserving Azerbaijan’s rich history and cultural traditions, and worked to promote the country’s music, art, and literature both at home and abroad. He also championed Azerbaijan’s multicultural identity, recognizing the importance of unity and cooperation among the country’s diverse communities.
Azerbaijan has emerged as a thriving and prosperous nation with a robust economy, a vibrant cultural landscape, and a reputation as a beacon of multiculturalism and harmony. With the foundation laid by Heydar Aliyev’s leadership, the country is well-positioned to sustain its growth and development in the years to come.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has made impressive strides and is now recognized as a donor country to third world economies. The country’s strong economy enables it to provide assistance and support to other nations in need, further cementing its reputation as a responsible and reliable global partner.
Heydar Aliyev’s visionary leadership transformed Azerbaijan into one of the strongest states in the region, laying the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful future. The people of Azerbaijan owe him a great debt of gratitude, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide the country towards further success.
To honor Heydar Aliyev’s contributions and political achievements, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, has declared this year as the “Year of Heydar Aliyev” in Azerbaijan. This is a fitting tribute to a leader who worked tirelessly to promote Azerbaijan’s interests, protect its sovereignty, and ensure a better future for its people.
Just days ago, the Speaker of the South African parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula paid homage to Aliyev as a true friend of Africa paving the way for the establishment of full diplomatic relations with several countries on the continent.
The speaker is hopeful that the legacy left by Heydar Aliyev, that of a modern stable democracy with sustained economic development, can now also be used to benefit other nations of the world through various cooperation initiatives she added.
APA