Following the interactive meeting of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, with appointees earlier today, many of us have been left reflecting on and admiring his leadership style—his simplicity, humility, honesty, accessibility and commitment to the principles of good governance.
I had earlier written about how position has not changed Governor Ododo from the person he was before assuming office. Instead, his time in office has continued to prove my long-held belief that position does not change people; rather, position reveals people.
For Governor Ododo, public office appears to have brought out even more of the qualities of humility, compassion and responsibility that define his personality.
Today’s interaction with appointees was another clear demonstration of this. There was no atmosphere of intimidation or unnecessary protocol. Rather, the Governor created an environment where people could speak, share ideas, ask questions and express concerns. It was leadership at its simplest: listening, engaging and providing direction.
This is one of the things that makes Governor Ododo’s leadership style different.
He has demonstrated repeatedly that the higher one rises, the more humble one should become. His simplicity is not a weakness; it is a strength. His accessibility is not a lack of authority; it is an indication of confidence. His humility does not diminish the office he occupies; rather, it gives the office a human face.
Perhaps even more remarkable is the Governor’s approach to stewardship.
Governor Ododo has continued to demonstrate that his administration is focus on development, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, security and other areas that directly affect the people of Kogi State.
This is why the Governor’s humility matters. It matters because leadership by example is more powerful than leadership by instruction.
When the Governor listens, his appointees learn to listen. When he respects people, those around him understand that respect must become part of the culture of government. When he accepts constructive contributions, he creates room for better ideas. When he remains humble despite the enormous power attached to his office, he reminds everyone that political power is temporary, but the impact of one’s service can remain long after leaving office.
I have had the privilege of working within the administration and observing the Governor at close quarters, and one thing that continues to stand out is that he does not appear overwhelmed by the office. Rather, he carries the responsibility with a sense of duty and an understanding that governance is about people.
This is why I believe the story of Governor Ododo’s administration should not only be told through statistics, projects and achievements. It should also be told through the character and leadership philosophy behind those achievements.
The Governor is showing that leadership does not have to be complicated. You can lead firmly without being arrogant. You can be powerful without being intimidating. You can be accessible without losing authority. You can occupy the highest political office in a state and still remain humble. You can demand results from your appointees while also listening to them. You can exercise authority while remembering that you are ultimately accountable to the people.
That, to me, is the simplicity of Governor Ododo’s leadership.
As Kogi State continues to move forward, the responsibility of those of us serving in government is to support the Governor’s vision, remain committed to the people and ensure that the privilege of public office is never mistaken for personal entitlement.
History will eventually judge every administration, not merely by the positions its leaders occupied, but by what they did with those positions.
And if there is one lesson I believe Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo continues to teach us, it is this:
Leadership is not about being above the people. Leadership is about being responsible for the people.
That is how leadership becomes simple. That is how humility becomes strength. And that is how good governance becomes a culture rather than a slogan.
– Oladele John Nihi writes from Lokoja.
