December 13, (THEWILL) – “Work while they sleep
Learn while they party
Save while they spend
Live like they dream.”
(Anonymous)
Great leaders have one common feature of always working while others sleep. Whether in business, the corporate world, ministry, politics, academia, etc. the story is the same. I have read stories of reputable leaders who have left indelible marks in the sand of time, and all of them are workaholics. Governor Umo Eno is one of such leaders and the evidence is visible.
Recently, I attended a program organised by the Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts in Abuja and after the induction lectures by different speakers, including DIG Frank Mba, Head of Department, Research and Planning of Nigeria Police Force and President, Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts; Prof. Samaila Mande, Professor of Marketing and Communication; CP Uche Henry, Director, National Cybercrime Centre, Nigeria Police Force; Mr. Jide Ojo, Communication Specialist; Dr. Ikalone Udo, Mental Health First Aider; Ijeoma Faith, Communication Expert; and Ayeni Ekundayo, Digital Marketing/Analytical Expert, there was a panel of discussion. After this, an opportunity was given for questions. A question was raised by a participant about leadership and effective service to the people.
In response, one of the panellists, who is not from Akwa Ibom, used Akwa Ibom State as a study to answer a question. He took time to highlight the leadership approaches and achievements of Governor Umo Eno in just 6 months in office. I was amazed how people who are not living in Akwa Ibom could know so much about the state and the governor.
He went further to highlight the achievements of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum. He concluded that the two Governors and a few others are perfect definitions of leadership. When I heard that, the pride in me jumped in excitement and I was proud of my state and the leadership of my boss, Pst. Umo Eno.
The panellist said when it comes to effective leadership, people-centric leadership, a leader who understands his onions, especially regarding good governance, a leader who is an expert in peace management, human capital development, and infrastructure, among others, Akwa Ibom is the model to learn from. I was so proud that Governor Umo Eno was found worthy in the aforementioned leadership indices.
A Brazilian soccer player, Pele, once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” These are common virtues of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who is always up and doing. From day one, he has been running (not walking), and that is why the State has achieved so much.
One doesn’t need a soothsayer to affirm that only a workaholic can achieve these feats. It means that the Governor has deprived himself of peace, comfort, and luxury, and most times, worked into midnight, all for the growth and advancement of Akwa Ibom State.
This is why we need to support and pray for him and the state and contribute our quota towards the development of the state.
The other day, an Elderstatesman, who is very close to the Governor, shared a story that touched my heart. He re-echoed my earlier submission that most times, the Governor has meetings on the way forward of the state till 4 a.m. While people are sleeping, the Governor is awake to attend to the pressing needs of the people, looking at the security situation and the economic indices. He is busy looking at the data of students, farmers, and people’s complaints, planning on how to put smiles on the faces of workers, retirees, elderly, youths etc. Does the Governor really sleep?
There was a day I had an interaction with him and asked him this same question about whether he sleeps at night. His response was: “How do I sleep when we have over 7 million people in the State who need leadership that will help them feed their families; leadership with good economic policies that will impact their businesses positively; leadership that will revolutionalize the healthcare system, education, rural development, agricultural renaissance, women empowerment, infrastructural maintenance, economic development and security, etc.” His voice commanded such passion that is a rarity among an average politician.
Governor Umo Eno means well for the Akwa Ibom people. He is out to make Akwa Ibom a destination that all of us will be proud of. He needs our support and prayers to achieve more. Be benevolent in extending such virtues to the Governor.
Written by Richard Peters
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