The Former National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, has identified leadership deficit as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria, stressing the need for leaders to prioritise service, accountability and measurable impact.
Okon stated this in Abuja while speaking with journalists during activities marking his 60th birthday anniversary and the launch of his book, The 5 A’s of Leadership: A Practical Blueprint for Effective and Transformational Leadership.
The ASCSN president said the book was inspired by his desire to contribute to addressing the leadership challenges facing Nigeria and provide practical guidance for present and future leaders.
According to him, leadership should not be defined by the position an individual occupies but by the impact, influence and legacy such a person leaves behind.
“I have discovered that one of the challenges facing Nigeria today is leadership,” Okon said, stressing that leaders should see themselves as people capable of making an impact, influencing others and transforming society.
He identified the five principles underpinning his leadership philosophy as availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability and accountability.
He explained that leaders must be available to the people they lead, accessible when their services are required, acceptable to their followers, adaptable to changing circumstances and accountable for their actions and decisions.
Okon disclosed that the idea for the book was conceived during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, adding that he subsequently decided to develop the concept into a publication that could serve future generations.
He said his ambition was to leave behind a legacy that would inspire others long after he had left public service.
“Power is transient. Wherever you have the opportunity to lead, your vision must be translated into something tangible. When you leave, you must also mentor others,” he said.
The celebrant urged leaders not to become attached to positions but to ensure that their footprints remained through positive contributions and mentorship.
Leadership Deficit Threatens Development
Former President of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Dr. Aniefiok Ibah, described Okon as a man of achievement whose career represented a journey from humble beginnings to significant accomplishments.
Ibah, who said he had worked closely with the celebrant for about two decades, commended his leadership qualities, particularly his emphasis on accountability and transparency.
He said leadership deficit remained one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria and Africa, describing the book as a timely contribution to the search for transformational leadership.
According to him, the principles contained in the book could help leaders provide more effective governance if properly understood and applied.
He urged leaders to embrace discipline, accountability and high ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Leadership Is Not a Tea Party — ASCSN Secretary-General
The General Secretary of ASCSN, Comrade Joshua Apebo, described leadership as a demanding responsibility that requires constant evaluation and adjustment.
Apebo, who served as Secretary-General while Okon was National President, said their working relationship remained cordial throughout their time together.
“Leadership is not a tea party,” he said, explaining that leaders often have to make difficult decisions and deal with both intended and unintended consequences of their policies.
He noted that when a policy fails to achieve its intended objective, a responsible leader should reassess and modify it rather than continue with an ineffective approach.
Apebo recommended the book to individuals aspiring to leadership positions, describing it as a useful guide to effective leadership.
Governor Eno’s Aide Commends Okon’s Mentorship
The Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno on Mobilisation in Abuja, Kingsley Iwok, described Okon’s book as a significant intellectual contribution to the discourse on leadership.
Iwok said the principles contained in the book were reflected in the leadership style of Governor Eno, particularly in the areas of accessibility and availability to the people.
He also praised Okon for his commitment to developing the potential of others, describing him as a mentor who encourages people to pursue academic and professional advancement.
Iwok recounted how Okon encouraged and financially supported him to return to school after identifying his academic potential.
According to him, Okon’s commitment to mentoring and empowering others was one of the qualities that distinguished the celebrant.
Book Reviewer Highlights Five Principles
The book reviewer, Dr. Murna Joy Loma, Deputy Director, International Labour Relations and Special Technical Assistant to the Minister of Labour and Employment, described the publication as both an academic resource and a practical guide to leadership.
Loma said the five principles—availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability and accountability—provided a framework for leaders seeking to build trust and achieve their objectives.
She emphasised that leadership was not about power or worship but service.
According to her, leaders must first make themselves available to their followers, earn their acceptance and confidence, understand the peculiarities of the people they lead, adapt appropriately and remain accountable.
She said the major lesson from the book was the need to build mutual confidence between leaders and those they lead.
Stakeholders Urged to Emulate Celebrant
The Chairman of the occasion, Akp. (Elder) Okokon E. Udo, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, urged participants, particularly members of the Akwa Ibom community, to emulate the leadership qualities demonstrated by Okon.
Udo described the books as rich resources and recommended them to academics, professionals, politicians and other stakeholders interested in improving leadership and democratic governance in Nigeria.
The event featured the formal launch of the book, donations, goodwill messages from dignitaries and associates of the celebrant, as well as the cutting of the celebrant’s 60th birthday cake.
