Fostering Leadership Through Measurable Milestones: The Man Called DMA

OMOGBOLAHAN BABAWALE 

The acronym DMA resonates well among many progressive folks, especially those conversant with the activities of the foremost (now) President Tinubu support group – The Asiwaju Group (TAG) prior and during the intense and energy-sapping campaigns of the last presidential poll. The Convener, The Asiwaju Group, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, otherwise known by his sobriquet within the political circles as DMA, was a prominent voice, support system and pillar both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, propagating the evangelism of Tinubu presidency hinged on hope assurance for an egalitarian Nigeria.

Today, the Kogi State-born Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi sits as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the country’s lead agency on energy matters. And over the last 8 months, Dr. Abdullahi has shown, in the witty saying of Myles Munroe that, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one influencing another.” Dr. Abdullahi as the Energy Commission’s Director-General/Chief Executive Officer is poised to influence positively, not only the core mandate of the Commission but that of, equally, the entire workforce. For the Energy expert, his policy centres around, one for all, and all for one.

Only over the week ending Saturday, July 27, he led a team of other Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of the various agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology – his supervising Ministry to Akpugo Autonomous Community in Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State for a ground-breaking foundation laying of a new Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module Assembling Plant. Having dedicated himself to driving an energy sector through innovative ideas that foster home-grown solutions to the country’s energy needs thereby reducing dependence on importation, Dr. Abdullahi is leaving no stone unturned in walking his talk.

His latest milestone, a product of the think-tank on research and development is laden with inherent humongous impact on the country’s economy. The project is capable creating massive opportunities for Nigeria’s youth demography and skilled professionals. From bio-energy systems to solar drying system, the solar PV assembly plant will ultimately make solar energy more accessible to every Nigerian household and at a relatively cheaper cost too. It is indeed a significant milestone that will consolidate the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in the area of job creation and safer energy environment.

Dr. Abdullahi has shown that he is a moving vision. A vision encapsulated perfectly in the words of author, filmmaker and world-renowned storyteller, Sir Laurens van der Post. Post once said, “Without vision we all suffer from an insufficiency of data. We look at life myopically, that is, through own lens, our own world. Vision enables us to transcend our autobiography, our past to rise above our memory. This is particularly practical in human relationships and creates a magnanimity of spirit towards others.” It can be comfortably said here that, Dr. Abdullahi has keyed into these beautiful renditions from Post. This is because he has been able to see in other people – their unseen potential.

All thanks to his supervising Minister, Chief Uche G. Nnaji, who has hitherto accorded him the rare opportunity to fly as long as his wings can take him in providing visionary leadership. Of truth, the Honourable Minister has been relentless in providing leadership in support of his many agencies under his stewardship. The Energy Commission is one out of the many agencies which have continued to enjoy the Minister’s unwavering support and commitment. The Commission therefore is one way to show to the public, the workings of the Minister.

The Energy Commission, under Dr. Abdullahi as the Chief Executive, is one propelled by measurable milestones which include, but not limited to guaranteeing energy security and sustainability agenda of the current administration, but also staff welfare as top priority. The leadership believes a properly welfarised workforce is prone to be more productive. It is the very reason why top on the agenda of the Commission’s numero uno is the welfare of the entire workforce. And he is leading the front to ensure its success. A happy workforce, to him, is a favourable environment.

🎯 Omogbolahan L.A. BABAWALE is the Special Assistant on Strategy and Communications to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). He writes from Abuja and can be reached on riches.babs@gmail.com