“People must make it a duty to invest in their intellect and personal development at any cost they can afford” —Ebuka Onyekwelu
In the past two years since leaving office as the Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to Anambra’s former governor, Uzu Okagbue has set a remarkable personal example in self-development. This is evident in his quest to learn more and re-learn. There are several proven correlations between performance and training or retraining. First of all, in Obiano’s government, Uzu Okagbue was easily one of the most resourceful members of that team. He was also a go-getter of significant repute in the administration. With a background in political science and nearly a decade in the bank, Uzu had a balanced outlook on public management before he joined Obiano in 2014.
At the end of the tenure of office of the governor in 2022, Uzu ran a very effective senatorial campaign ahead of 2023, albeit unsuccessfully. Determined, Uzu has embraced expansion of his worldview and know-how through his desire to know more and this has taken him to Harvard University for the third time in two years. It is a common saying that one cannot give what he doesn’t have. Yet, in practice, people in Nigeria’s public spaces often want to give what they do not have. In Nigeria’s public space, people who haven’t read a book in many years and those who haven’t gone for any self-renewal course anywhere, have the upper hand in the scheme of things. But generally, for people to be able to give more, they must be brought to a certain mental state that will help them see new realities and possibilities. This is what helps them to be able to give more. The essence of retraining can never be overemphasized.
For Uzu, the major preoccupation of an aspiring leader is the ability to submit himself to further learning and teaching, which naturally prepares him to excel in his duty. In 2023, Uzu commenced and completed with distinction, a Harvard Business leadership course. Then, in 2024, he is back at Harvard, at the Kennedy School of Government for two leadership courses. Some might say that they would do the same if they could afford it. Many of those who may say this can afford to buy a book and read it, but they have not yet done so.
In perspective, the opportunity cost of Uzu’s investment in his ability and mental expansion is equivalent to a choice house in a prime location, or flamboyant holiday in some of the world’s most beautiful resorts, or any other luxury that is the preoccupation of many people in government or those who have been in government, in Nigeria. Choices differ, but those interested in public management or leadership at any level must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices and take the right steps in shaping their worldview so that they are themselves in a position to be able to positively influence and impact. No serious leader or aspiring leader should take personal learning as something that’s less important or an afterthought. Every leader’s ability is tied to his or her innate drive to become better, by learning new ways and new things, which then reflect on his or her leadership style.
In the end, those in government or those who aspire to be in government must prioritize investment into their existing abilities so that it is expanded. Thereby enabling them not only to do more with less but empowering themselves to be able to reach for all possibilities there can be in their duties. Young people especially, must make it a duty to deliberately invest in their intellect and personal development at any cost they can afford.
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