Building Leaders - Role of Integrity, Courage and Determination

The world recently witnessed the stunning events in Afghanistan, where a disorderly transition from the coalition forces, led to the speedy overrun of Afghan forces by the Taliban, and the rapid collapse of the Afghan government.  Quite distressing were the scenes from Kabul airport where thousands of Afghans, who out of fear for their lives, did not only swamp a military aircraft but hung desperate to the wings and tires of the planes, and some sadly lost their lives, after the aircraft take-off. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and people of Afghanistan.  These developments are a stark reminder to the world of what happens when an orderly transition is not ensured in any major undertaking. This puts into perspective the energy transition, from hydrocarbon to alternative energy.   What are some of the emerging lessons from the disorderly transition in Afghanistan?  1). The withdrawal of coalition forces ahead of their civilian citiz...

The first insight into the forensic audit on NDDC is mind-boggling, but not totally unexpected. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/nddc-abandoned-projects/ The preponderance of profligacy in this agency over the years is horrendous. With N1-Trillion Naira allocated to NDDC since June 2000 (aside the N10-Trillion allocated to the States for 13% derivation), one would have expected to have seen the transformation of the region much further. Sadly, as with many other interventions for the region over the years (e.g., OMPADEC), there is little on the ground to show for the huge sums allocated. What further saddens is that indigenes of the region hardly demand accountability from managers of these agencies and their States, and have instead adopted a “siddon-look” attitude. In addition, the near graveyard silence of the region’s elites raise question if this is a reflection of Prof Lumumba's cliche of “Yes, he is a thief, but he is ours, so leave him alone". The forensic a...

The (re)passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) at end of June 2021 has generated much buzz in Nigeria. Hopefully, this version addresses the reasons for Mr. President’s rejection of the one passed in 2018, so it gets assent this time and the country can finally bring closure to the rigmarole and loss of investor confidence of the past two decades. https://www.thecable.ng/just- in-senate-passes-pib- allocates-3-of-profits-from- oil-companies-to-host- communities https://www.premiumtimesng. com/news/top-news/281790-why- buhari-withheld-assent-to- pigb-presidential-aide.html Recognition must be given to the original founders of the PIB (Alhaji Rilwan Lukman and Committees on Petroleum Industry Law Reform and Oil & Gas Sector Reform Implementation), key players in the industry, and the 9th National Assembly for efforts over the years. The Bill’s proposed incorporation of NNPC Ltd as a limited liability company and streamlining the omnibus NNPC into two separate Upstream Commissi...

In 4 BC, Nazareth had a poor political and security reputation with Romans killing thousand of Jews after looting the armory. Subsequent arson and revolt led to crackdown and killing of citizens. ThIs was the background to Nathanael’s question, “Can any good thing come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46) The current level of insecurity (boko haram, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen/farmer), poverty, unemployment and crackdown (insurrection) across the country, is leading many to ask if any good can come out of Nigeria. But the past week has seen what the country is capable of, with the launch of three monumental projects, each of which is a game changer I.e. Lagos-Ibadan railroad; deep blue maritime security architecture, and NLNG Train 7 groundbreaking. These projects are exciting and with their multiplier effects on the nation, particularly Train 7 which will bring $6bn ($3bn from NLNG own fund and $3bn international financing), create over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, grow production 40%, ...

Discussions about Nigeria always arouses deep interest because of the unique sense of expectation that it has always infused; concerns on its stability, cautious optimism on its potential, and earnest prayers that one day all of its controversies, contradictions, and contrarian impulses, will resolve nicely or miraculously, and it will rise like the mythical phoenix and take its rightful place in the comity of nations. Myths can serve as a battle cry to galvanize the citizens of a nation towards achieving goals - for good (self-serving) or evil (self-destructive). For example, for the USA, it is exceptionalism, and for the Germans, it is supremacists. For Nigeria, negative myths abound amongst the citizens such as, “Nigeria is a mistake”; “a mere geographical expression”, and “Nigerians show individual brilliance, especially in diaspora, but unable to produce good leaders”. The most spiteful is ascribed to Sir Lugard that the “traits of the native are his lack of apprehension and abili...

Having taught 2-years at a college in Ilorin, during which I completed MBA in early 90s, the ‘meager’ salary as a teacher, meant I had only ‘survived’ because I was living with my parents.  As a result, I  took the decision to seek greener pastures. I  dreamt of breaking through in the private sector and living a more comfortable life. I decided to relocate to Lagos (300km away) the nation's then capital and a bubbling commercial center, to search for work. This would require me to squat with friends and family, and struggle to feed, but I was prepared to put in the toil, sweat, and blood. I frantically searched for a job and applied to hundreds of vacancies that I saw in newspapers, those sent to me by family and friends, as well as any vacancy that I saw posted on buildings and fences, as I walked the streets of Lagos. Several months later, without yet securing a job, I decided to visit Ilorin, to spend Christmas with my parents and siblings, as a short cool off, and to...

It is dinner at school, with students eating noisily in the hall. My name is called out on the public address system, by the duty teacher, to stand on the table. I wonder what I have done to be so humiliated, as no reason is mentioned. The hall falls silent, with all eyes on me as I remain seated. He walks up and pulls my collar. I say to him, ‘you are choking me', but he continues to tug. I am dizzy and feel he is strangling me. I decide to free myself before I faint. I turn and take a swing, which stuns him and he releases the hold. I adjust my shirt and walk out of the hall, knowing there would be consequences. The school authorities suspend me. I deserve it.  “This is not how I raised you!” my father berates me. My parents restrict me to my room during the period of suspension. The loneliness is punishing and I am sad.  I learned that one should not act on impulse, but reflect on consequences, to decide on options.  I had been a model student in my early years until t...