Leadership Secrets of Godswill Akpabio

One of Africa’s brightest minds, Chinua Achebe, believes, in his book, “The Trouble With Nigeria”, that the poverty and underdevelopment that have plagued most of the African continent result from the inability or unwillingness of its leaders to live up to the challenges of selflessness, honesty and sound personal example, which are the hallmarks of true leadership. This severe dearth of quality leadership has kept Africa underdeveloped.

 In one tiny Nigerian state called Akwa Ibom, a young man from a humble background and a minority ethnic group, against daunting political odds, won an election and was sworn in as governor. Between 2007 and 2015, Godswill Obot Akpabio articulated a vision to turn Akwa Ibom State “from a pedestrian state to a destination for all Nigerians”. Using time-tested principles of good leadership, he developed first-class infrastructure. He organised other tourism programmes that helped him to realise that vision at the end of his regime, just as he promised. All his achievements were encapsulated in a catchphrase that his people called “Uncommon Transformation”.

 This book is the result of an in-depth study of the principles of leadership that resulted in the realisation of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s vision. 

 The book aims to teach people about leadership. It uses my real-life experiences while I worked with Governor Godswill Akpabio for many years as a Permanent Secretary. The hope is that the discussions on leadership might inspire young leaders, especially in Africa, to embrace good leadership. If this happens, and they leave lasting legacies for their people or their organisations, their aim would have been realised. The book will be useful for leadership mentors in government, business, religion, the corporate world and academia. It makes a good reference for all interested in broadening their knowledge of leadership issues.