Author: The Nation

By Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka

This is a special book that can transport you to the inner workings of government institutions and how they can be reformed and repositioned to deliver effective and efficient services. Every person who reads this book will be inspired by its unique approach to solving complex institutional problems by applying simple management and leadership principles in an easy to understand manner. This important book by Dr. Dakuku Peterside on Strategic Management turnaround demonstrates several important theoretical, policy and practical principles well laid out in the different chapters. For one, it points attention to what is currently lacking in Nigerian public life, which is the need for those who manage public assets to share their experiences and knowledge at the expiration of their tenure. This book does that with considerable diligence. It is an important case study of how to reform and revitalise an ailing public enterprise and in so doing, bring them back to top-level performance. Second, the book shows the nexus of theory and policy in the understanding of Strategic Management. The author understands both the theory and concepts of strategic management, which undoubtedly contributed to the success of the big reform that he envisioned and executed at the agency. The practical lesson here is that we will do well for the country by appointing subject matter experts and those with the requisite capacity to the headship of economically critical agencies.

Third, this book is a balanced mix of theory and practice and therefore provides sound knowledge for students, practitioners, leaders and politicians all in equal measure. From different perspectives, every intellectual mind and those in managerial function have something to take away.

Altogether, the book has 13 chapters that cover the main areas of strategic management. The author “sought to build a knowledge-based organisation and ensured that NIMASA, as a regulatory agency, is driven by the knowledge and implementation of laws, regulations and policies that are in line with international instruments adopted by the International Maritime Organisation and the International Labour Organisation for maritime labour standards”.

In this book, I believe Dakuku succeeded well in doing what he set out to do, that is, turnaround an underperforming state institution into “a model maritime administration for developing countries”.

The author seeks to capture and document in this book, the main essence of the four years that he spent at the helm of NIMASA as chief executive CEO. He traces the challenges, the triumphs and the process outcomes of a well thought out set of reforms. It takes the reader into the workings of a critical public institution. The focus of his thesis is on how regulatory institutions should regulate and not be captured by the political powers that birthed them. For the most part, the Achilles Heel of public agencies is regulatory capture in a Spoilt System such as we often find ourselves.

In economic theory, regulatory agencies are themselves dominated by the industries or powerful interests that they are set up with regulating. The result is that an agency, charged with acting in the public interest, instead acts in ways that benefit the political actors or industry owners it is supposed to be regulating. This is prevalent in developing countries such as we are due to significant levels of poverty that in turn bestow political office holders a larger-than-life status. Dakuku’s reform focus helped stem regulatory capture, which is a corruption of power, and authority that occurs when a political entity, policymaker, or regulatory agency is co-opted to serve the commercial or political interests of their constituency. In Nigeria, these are mostly sub-national ethnic groups, represented by a particular geographic area or tribal affiliations. This book serves us with a rich menu of lessons to prevent regulatory capture.

The turnaround of NIMASA equally shows the critical importance of investing in broad and specific skills and knowledge capabilities if national agencies will meet the demands of the 21st Century. The need for competent staff and expertise, competitive salaries, and management autonomy. The management requires assured political cover for the CEO to make tough decisions and carry out bold structural changes; these are some of the imperatives for the emergence of a credible agency and the framework with which to create a culture of performance.

Dr. Dakuku built a solid foundation on which NIMASA could thrive and prosper in the years to come and as he set out to do, become an excellent maritime regulatory agency. The turnaround of NIMASA shows clearly that with leadership that is visionary and purpose-driven, blessed by a committed workforce to implement a well-laid-out plan, a regulatory agency can carry out its purpose even within an environment of a Spoilt System. As a corollary, it is also evident that state enterprises and public institution that were mismanaged could experience a radical turnaround. I highly recommend this book to students of management, leadership, policymakers, politicians and academics alike.

• Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka is Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industrialisation, African Development Bank (AfDB), Abidjan

By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

The movie and music arms of the entertainment industry have continued to dominate the space over the years.

The beauty industry, unfortunately, has not been lucky enough to enjoy such relevance despite the number of talents, both old and young, it prouds itself with. This sector, which had raised several entrepreneurs, is yet to enjoy corresponding support from the public and private sectors when compared to the movie industry.

This, no doubt, could be the reason behind the Onitsha Beauty Shake Up celebrates creativity competition, recently packaged by Shoxzy Beauty Fix, a general beauty organisation in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The event which attracted a large number of beauty creatives and lovers across the city and beyond was organised by Mrs Omonefe Elizabeth, Chief Executive Officer of the firm in collaboration with a team of experts in the beauty industry.

Over 36 young talented beauty creatives in Onitsha, Anambra State were given make-up kits. They included fashion designers, skincare and hair stylists, nail and gele artists, beauty therapist/cosmetologists, makeup artists, photography/photojournalists, among others.

The three winners of the makeup competition who were rewarded with N170,000 worth of makeup items, were Mmesoma Nwacheta (Mimy Debby), the overall winner, Jack Japhet (Jj beauty), the Ist runner up and Mmesoma Ugo (Glimmers makeover), the 2nd Runner Up

The first position smiled home with makeup items worth N100,000, while the second and third positions got N50,000 worth of makeup items and N20,000 worth of makeup items respectively.

Other participants also went home with makeup items and certificates of participation.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Omonefe said the event was aimed at seeking avenues to bringing innovation, creativity and growth to the beauty industry.

She said the beneficiaries, drawn from the beauty industry in the commercial city were carefully selected by certified judges through rigorous process and evaluation after submitting their works and images.

She said: “The Onitsha beauty shakeup maiden event is targeted at promoting Onitsha Beauty Creative Industry beyond the commercial city, providing opportunities for empowerment as well as giving upcoming beauty creatives a sense of belonging to go beyond their domain.

“Our nominees included the honorary awards given to the veterans, photographers, makeup artists, nail technicians, fashion design schools, upcoming beauty creatives and those who have empowered others with knowledge and skills.

“We intend to take the event beyond the shores of Onitsha. This time, it will not only be the makeup contest, but we’ll be having the hair, fashion design and photography contests and submissions.

“We’re working on promoting the brands that got awarded, including sponsoring some of their adverts.”

Omonefe, however, identified convincing the relevant stakeholders to believe and buying into the vision as one major challenge faced by her organisation while packaging the event.

One of the sponsors and Chief Executive Officer, Notab solicitors, Victoria Ezeigwe, expressed joy that the beauty industry has over the years evolved from the background to limelight with several other sectors now forming part of the creative class.

She appreciated both the sponsors and judges for their dedication and professionalism in the selection process, just as she congratulated the winners of the competition, challenging them to keep raising the bar.

Her words: “The vision behind this event; Onitsha beauty shake-up is to solidify a collaborative relationship among the different categories of creatives that make up the beauty industry.

“I have known Lizzy for over 9 years and I can boldly say that her passion for this industry is unparallel, she has never allowed herself to be distracted from her Beauty business and that is only possible because of passion for what she does.

“So I’m not surprised that we all are gathered here in this maiden event to raise the bar for the beauty creatives.

“The goal of this event is not just to meet, have fun and disperse. It’s our expectation that the beauty creatives will begin to bring innovations into their business as well as addressing issues that affects them as people.

“Driving healthy competitiveness, creativity as well as proferring solutions for challenges that are faced in the beauty industry, and this can only be achieved when we come together as a group.

“I’m sure that nobody or group is in a better position to address the needs of the Beauty creatives other than themselves. We don’t expect that this event will end today, rather it should be the starting point for the beauty creatives.

“We want to see them grow to the stage where they would invite us for Annual awards just as we see in Nollywood and the music industry.”

She added: “When the call for entries for the award came up, most people were sceptical to be a part of it because they probably didn’t understand the whole essence of it.

“However some others with foresight were interested and we appreciate every beauty creative that participated in the awards event.”

Appreciating the judges for the hard work and professionalism they displayed in the selection process, Ezeigwe noted that their functions lasted for months and they didn’t give up but ensured that they selected “the best of the best”.

“Regardless of their majors and spheres of interest, these individuals have one thing in common – they just love their job and do their best to serve the society and be a role model for young personalities,” she said.

She also congratulated the winners of the makeup competition, challenging them to keep raising the bar.

“We will not fail to thank our sponsors, your benevolent support made it possible for this event to be a reality today; our major sponsor GLAM GALS COSMETICS, we are so thankful to you.

“Others includes Kulture magazine, Beyond Beauty, Stevo cosmetics, Notab solicitors, Zikel cosmetics, Beauty Inspiration, Dills Innovation, M’krunky Entertainments and Eve’s Touch Beauty home. Thanks to all of you for believing in our vision.

“Finally, our utmost appreciation goes to the convener; Mrs Omonefe Elizabeth CEO Shoxzy Beauty Fix for organising such an outstanding event.

“We hope to see this vision taken beyond Onitsha to becoming an annual nationwide ceremony in the beauty industry.

The winner of the competition, Mmesoma Nwacheta, could not hold his joy while talking with reporters, describing the event as extraordinary.

She said: “I’m overwhelmed with joy. I thank the organisers for creating this platform for us to showcase our talents to the world. My thanks equally go to my tutor for believing in me and patiently bringing out the best in me.

“This opportunity will serve as a launching pad for me to further impact others including training other upcoming beauty and creative artists looking up to us.”

Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo is the Olu of Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, he speaks of his 17 years reign on the throne and herdsmen crisis, among other national issues. Excerpts.

“We give thanks and adoration to almighty God that the community is fast growing. When I became the Oba, 17 years ago, hardly did I have about 100 to 150 people living here. And now I have over 123 villages that are now over populated. Itori is hosting Lafarge, and will house a mini train terminal. Dangote will soon be back here.

If not God, what can we do? He has been so merciful and has always been our strength. That’s why, to mark the day, we conducted prayers. We prayed God to be involved in what we do forthwith just as He had in the past years.

And my wife has been supportive. Being 17 years on the throne is indeed worthy of celebration; but we thought it wise to mark it in a small way with the pandemic in view and also to cut cost. We gave takeaway: nobody was allowed to sit down and eat because of the COVID-19 guidelines from the government. We do all possible things to observe the COVID-19 protocols. Last year was a terrible year, it is supposed to be named COVID year. I cannot but mention, Aremo who has also been supportive in all ramifications. Last year, he and some chiefs did a lot of empowerment for our people in thousands, putting smiles on their faces.

 

Historical relevance of Itori

Although Itori is an ancient community that migrated to Abeokuta in the 18th century, it is a cosmopolitan town. I believe this place was founded  in 1802. Itori got to the limelight in 1846 when the first train in Nigeria stopped here from Lagos. The then Queen of England was here and the first Alake of Egbaland, Osokalu was here also. That train brought flock of individuals and since then Itori has prospered and become a cosmopolitan town.

And for over 40 to 45 years, that old train has been abandoned but right now, in a couple of months, the old terminal would be decongested: they are going to establish a mini terminal in Itori. So, you can live in Itori and work in Lagos.  And I believe with this new development, the town would witness a lot of developments: more commercial activities, a boost in tourism and employment for our youths.

 

My thought on culture

It depends on one’s perspective. The question is “Why are we traditional rulers in the first place?” The onus is on us to uphold the culture and the tradition of our people. As custodian of our people’s culture, we try to create a conducive environment for your people. But it is not an easy task. I will tell you the truth, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown because all eyes are on one single person.

All that glitters is not gold. Even if you find gold in its raw material, you can never believe it is gold: it goes through a degree of heat before becoming gold. That is the principle of culture and what we are doing.

In the olden days, people brought  their cases to the palace.  Today, we find means of giving back to our people by way of empowerment. I like to garner support from the wealthy in our midst to alleviate the lot of my people. For instance, during the COVID-19,  I called a lot of my people, including Bishop David Oyedepo, Aliko Dangote, Kayode Kolade, Aremo and many others and they gave us palliatives. So, the pain was not so much on them.

 

Herders/farmers clash in your domain 

As a Nigerian you can live anywhere but what really matters is how you conduct your activities. What should really matter is how one carries out one’s activities in the community one belongs to. The herdsmen have been here long before now and so we live as brothers and sisters.  We do not propagate things unnecessarily.

We have a 92-year-old Seriki Fulani who was born here. Will I ask him to go? No. We just have to ‘jaw-jaw’. We’ve met in recent times and he was advised to report any strange face he sees.

Indeed, there is no where there is no issue. But no, we don’t have the issues of the violence you find in other places. Once in a while, disagreement does occur because cows feed on grasses, but when it does come up, we have ways of settling it.

You see, Yoruba is so powerful that if we grind red pepper and put it on the grass, the cows will not eat it and those that will do will die. But what is the gain if their cows are dying? We just need to ‘jaw-jaw’ and not ‘war-war’. Whoever might have seen war will not pray that we or our children should see war. It is a matter of understanding and carrying ourselves along.

 

My words for traditional and political leaders

If you know how to do bad or good, continue. It has its reward. If you buy knife from the market for the purpose of cooking and you decided to use it to cut somebody, what has the knife turned to? It has turned to a destructive weapon. And we all know the consequences of a destructive weapon; but the one who uses it will not escape at the end of the day? We should always pray for God’s wisdom and intervention in what we do. My advice to all traditional rulers is that they should be closer to their God and see their chiefs as their partners and their youths as their investment.

There are three seeds you sow: vegetable which does not last more than a year; the other is tree. A tree may last for 10 years and is cut down and used for something else; but when you sow a human being, it is for life. Investing on human being is everlasting. Over 17 years what I have been eating is the work of my hand, the work I have done while I was working.