By Omogbolahan Babawale
Before my return to Lagos recently, I had paid an impromptu visit to the Headquarters of the country’s leading energy agency – _Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)_ for a brief chat with the first-class Director-General/Chief Executive of the agency, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.
I was astonished beyond viva voce with what I saw with the change of environment. What I saw in terms of physical change left me wholly flabbergasted! But then, I remember that _’leadership is not about the status of the office nor necessarily the personage of the occupier, but about the WILL and GUTS to leave an indelible footprints on the sands of time.’
(OLAB)_Like a visionary that he is, Dr. Abdullahi, numero uno is setting the tone for the _Commission_ through his actions, not just the words from his gullet.
Akin to Stephen Covey, American educator and author of popular book, _’The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’_ who posited that, _“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”_ Anybody who recently paid a visit to the _Energy Commission_ headquarters located in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory and who had been there before the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi will attest to the positive changes in that environment courtesy of the workaholic Dr. Abdullahi as the pooh-bar in charge, driving many positive changes.
The recent commissioning of Solar Powered Electric Motor Charging Station at the headquarters of _Energy Commission of Nigeria_ barely 6 weeks ago is a testament to complete paradigm shift from the ‘norm’ at the _Commission_ over the last 3 decades.
With visible changes and notable innovations embarked upon by the leadership of *Dr. Abdullahi* at the Commission, it is crystal clear that the Energy Commission now has a leadership with systemic approach to national energy rebirth.
A template that will ultimately reset the national energy architecture for the greater good of all and sundry.
Simon Sinek, English-American author of Start With Why_ said, _“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
Dr. Abdullahi* as the Chief Executive of the _Commission_, understands that human capital development is key in driving development and positive changes.
He is, therefore, not preoccupied with only policy making and physical development; he is leaving no stone unturned in the personal development of the _Commission’s_ workforce.
He understands that empathy and empowerment are crucial for inspiring high-performing teams.
He is doing his best in staff personal prospects and improving on same. Like Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States once said, _“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things.
They are the ones that get people to do the greatest things.”_ While holding sway as the man in charge, Dr. Abdullahi had, within a space of one year, secured 2 scholarships for members of staff through the _Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF)_ to go for further studies abroad.
The first time in the history of the Commission_ by any Director-General. Such is the forthright leadership as exemplified by Dr. Abdullahi.
A leadership hallmarked by manifest Renewed Hope deliverables.
As the pilot behind the wheel at the _Energy Commission_, Dr. Abdullahi understands the importance of focusing resources and prioritising initiatives to drive success.
He is a proof of Warren Bennis’ views on leadership. According to Bennis, _“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” At the _Energy Commission Dr. Abdullahi pursues a vision woven around strategic and measurable milestones on national energy renaissance of making the _Commission_ great again.
Omogbolahan BABAWALE is a public affairs analyst, Convener and Lead Resource Person, The Think-Tinubu Initiative (3TI)_. He writes from Lagos and can be reached via officialczar2@gmail.com.
