Humility In Service: Meet World’s Poorest President Who Drives A Volkswagen Beetle [Photos]

Whenever the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol, is to be increased, the people in charge will readily point in the direction of other oil producing countries that pay more for the commodity than we do. But do they ever show us example of leaders that don’t live flamboyantly and extravagantly on state resources like they do? Our public officials should be burying their heads in shame!

President of Uruguay, José Mujica is a living proof of humility in service – a beacon of hope that indeed, leadership is still all about service to the people not self. President José Mujica is getting world wide recognition and respect for donating 90 percent (not slashing ‘25%’) of his earnings to charitable causes.

He has earned what most people would call an enviable reputation as the “poorest,” or the “most generous,” president in the world. His nickname, “el presidente mas pobre” translates to “poorest president”.

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The President said in a recent interview that the only big item he owns is his Volkswagen Beetle car, valued at $1,945 dollars (about N308,283) . He earns a salary of $12,500 a month (N1,981,250), but only keeps $1,250(N198,125) for himself, donating the rest to charity.

He lives in a farmhouse which is under his wife’s name,  Lucía Topolansky, a Senator, who also donates part of her salary.

The 77 year-old who has been Uruguay’s president since March 1, 2010 told El Mundo, “I DO FINE WITH THAT AMOUNT; I HAVE TO DO FINE BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY URUGUAYANS WHO LIVE WITH MUCH LESS.”

I just had to cut-in to lay emphasis on that last line! How many Nigerian leaders can say and do so truthfully without dipping their hands into the public till when no one is watching? Food for thought! Continue reading…

It was also reported that under his stewardship, Uruguay has become known for low levels of corruption. The South American country ranks as the second least corrupt country in Latin America in Transparency International’s global corruption index.

Yahoo News reported that the President has no bank accounts,  no debts, and he enjoys the companionship of his dog, Manuela. When his term is over, the President hopes to rest even more peacefully in his farmhouse, along with his wife and his inseparable dog.

The Last time I checked, a former president retired to a farm of chickens that rake in millions/month.

27 COMMENTS

  1. He was able to understand,God helping him,that what is eternal is not visible,I guess.Yes,after all is said and done,the ONLY thing that we would leave this world with,is that which we’ve done.I deeply admire him,Kudos!

  2. I’m so so touched beyond words.This sounds like some fairytale or fiction that can at best remain in one’s wildest imagination!I solemnly wish if wishes were horses to emulate this extraordinary character.God please us in this country with a leader with this overflowing milk of meekness,selflessness and unparalelled humility.

  3. I’m so so touched beyond words.This sounds like some fairytale or fiction that can at best remain in one’s wildest imagination!I solemnly wish if wishes were horses to emulate this extraordinary character.God please give us in this country with a leader with this overflowing milk of meekness,selflessness and unparalelled humility.

  4. infact this is a real humility. It is only those dat believe dat faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human lyf and dat service to hunanity is the best work of lyf dat giv evrytin for d benefit of d masses. He is indeed d best President in d world

  5. May God bless nd reward dis man in dis life nd throughout eternity dis is a real leader,a common councillor in Nigeria i bet u goes home with much more dan dis @ d end of d month,whilst d people groan in hunger,we re highly unlucky with d sort of criminals nd cruel vagabonds we hv as public office holders in Nigeria..

  6. Mehn he is a legend…..but if i were in his shoes, i can’t try that ooo.
    Leadership by examlpe.
    this is so good, at least he has peace of mind, even when his tenor is over, he will continue to leave in peace.

    this is very rare to find else where……

    May God be with u.