“What makes a leader successful is his ability to reproduce his kind who will take over from him when he is gone”. Vincent (2021).
Retirement is a must for every Leader! When the time is ripe, you will leave the stage for others to take charge. Know that nothing lasts forever; even the Hausa perfume has expiry date. It is law of nature that our lives are in times and seasons. Who have you groomed or mentored to take over from you, support and take care of you when you retire?
Ophrah Winfrey said, “A mentor is one who see the hope inside yourself” What most leaders do is to spoon feed, that is giving your fish instead of teaching you how to fish. Forster says (2020) says, “Spoon feeding instead of mentorship in the long run, teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon”. What makes a leader successful is his ability to reproduce his kind who will take over from him when he is gone. Obongowo, do you fit into the above picture of a mentor?
Remember Elijah in the bible; He groomed Elisha who got double of he, Elijah’s spirit. 2Kings 2:13-15. Paul the Apostle also raised Timothy.
Have you heard of the Babangida Boys before? My o my, he gave young men and women opportunities to display their talents. Until today, they are proud he was their mentor. Tinubu Boys are everywhere in Nigeria manning one office or the other. He gave them a space to prove their worth. Today, he has Governors, Ministers, Speakers, Lawmakers, Managers of the Economy to his credit.
Are you aware that Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holding for the past 10 years has been grooming 1000 young Africans each year and giving then 5000 Dollars to start any business of their choice? Remember Odogwu Magnus Chukwukezie, the quintessential banker, serial entrepreneur and owner of Everyday Fish? That has mentorship and philanthropy running in his DNA.
The late Professor Okon Edet Uyo groomed Prof. Ini Udoka, Senator Dr. Sandy Onoh and many others. I am proud to have learnt at the feet of this great Akwa Ibom son who always took me to his sturdy for some lessons. May his soul rest on, amen.
What of the Akpabio Boys; the story is not different. Some of you answering Obongowo today benefitted from Senator Akpabio’s munificence and platform. But not for him you would have either been struggling to survive in your village or eking a living somewhere outside Uyo.
There are other shining examples of mentors in Akwa Ibom State that I admire a lot. Rep. Unyime Idem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency recently initiated skills empowerment for 5000 youths in his bid to help raise the next generation of youths who will become job and wealth creators, self-sufficient and independent. Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, set up the RHAB-YESS to support young businesses every month with N500,000.
Do you know the 37-year-old Comr. Ini Ememobong, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy? Men, that guy is damn good. He picked up few guys including Borono Bassey; groomed Borono, ensured he discovered his mission in life and even sponsored him to take some professional courses (self-development). He took his name to the authorities that be for recommendation. On leaving PDP as Publicity Secretary, Timi contributed to the emergence of Borono Bassey as PDP Publicity Secretary.
Obongowo, what have you done for your boys? Do you even have boys or taks executors? When last did you sit your PA or AIDE down and ask him about his family, his dreams, his abandoned education, business and other aspects of his life that requires attention? When last did you speak to a higher authority about recommending your PA, AIDE or FRIEND for a higher and better appointment or job? You want him to be with you forever?
Hear me and hear me well, if as an Aide, PA, Servant, or whatever you are, Obongowo has not done what Rep. Idem, Speaker Aniekan Bassey and Comr. Ememobong did to Borono Bassey and their boys, MY FRIEND, you are a task executor to the task master. 2012 will come and go and you will still be running around him aimlessly. It is not late to choose a better mentor or cut a deal with Obongowo, that will help you find your feet in life.
Therefore, receive sense this 2021; engage your Boss well on becoming your Mentor. Look beyond receiving N5,000 stipend or N30,000 salary. Get a skill, develop yourself and add value to your life and society. God bless your hustles.
Deacon Aluu Vincent, Ubokutomabasi Kiet of Akwa Ibom State, Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News