It is without a doubt that leadership is the ability to transform vision into reality; it is also not contestable that before anyone becomes a leader, being successful will be about growing oneself, however, when you become a leader, success will then be about growing others.
This is where Chief Tony Anenih (CFR), Iyasele of Esanland, PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman fits in. The man has been able to build so many people some of whom have become leader over the years.
The man everyone likes to refer to as the solid rock of the Nigerian politics has been able to achieve a lot in his life that he has become a sort of reference and model to the younger ones.
Chief got the sobriquet ‘Mr. Fix It’ because of his outstanding skills in the political field. Yet, many others believe that it is by dint of hard work and perseverance that shot him to the apex of his career as a high-flying Police officer and also a political success. To put it straight, he has become a living legend to our present generation; and when he eventually bows out, his name will definitely be etched in the nation’s hall of fame.
One area Chief Anenih has also excelled is the area of philanthropy; he is blessed with jumbo heart and robust giving spirit. The great man of inestimable worth and remarkable achievement is better defined by his quiet philanthropic disposition, large heart, giving spirit, boundless energy and endless desire to serve and help the poor and needy irrespective of tribe or state.
Of great note is his insightful passion for the aged. In Ibadan, for instance, the Uromi High Chief singlehandedly erected a home for the old people. Not just a house but one that is fully equipped. Besides, he also spares a thought for religion. Of course, he is a devote Christian and he has done more for the Christian faith, yet he does not bypass others.
Chief Anenih unlike most successful men will not allow himself to be locked in his house like a prisoner because of security; hence he makes sure that he attends to anyone notwithstanding the tribe and tongue of those who wish to gain his attention.
A typical example was given, when he was going out of his gate and he saw a certain man by the gate who was looking dejected, he quickly ordered his driver to stop and inquired the mission of the man who has been denied access to him. As soon as the man relayed whatever message he brought, Chief Anenih ‘blessed’ him and the sad face instantly began shinning again.
This is vintage Anenih which makes him different from the rest. It may also explain his large followership across the country and why his abode has remained a Mecca of sorts. His extra- large heart and untiring giving spirits are the allure.
Chief Anenih’s philanthropic interest has always moved beyond wanting to impress anyone; to him it is a part of him that nature has blessed him with. His leadership persona and extraordinary political dexterity had always assured him of the leadership position anywhere he found himself
Truly his calm ways, simplicity of life, sincerity of purpose, robust giving spirit, religious commitment to human capital development, willing assistance to the poor and needy and readiness to serve humanity are rare in our clime. They are vital to understanding his choice of career and foray into politics after retirement.
Those who know him during his early life have testified to the fact that he has always exhibited the trait of quality leadership right from day one. This unique quality saw him climbing the ladder of his career in a short while after the white men discovered his leadership qualities.
The man they call “Leader” is certainly a cat of many lives, and under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, has reclaimed the one space he cherishes, in the dark, smoke-filled inner recesses of the cloak-and-dagger world of politics, where he wields effective powers of influence and control.
In July 2005, the erudite politician was invited to his hometown in Uromi where the powers that be of Esanland jointly conferred on him the title, Iyasele of Esanland, thereby making him a High Chief and pioneer Prime Minister and Chief Spokesman of the Esan Community comprising the entire Edo Central Senatorial District in Edo State.
But therein Chief Anenih is an enigma and one of the greatest survivors in the Nigerian slippery political scene. The man has an excellent ability to survive, stay relevant and protect those under his wings. His rare think-tank and strategic planning and mobilization prowess keeps endearing him to high and mighty on the political scene.
Unlike many of other elite in his class who love taking advantage of their position to impose people into positions of authority, you’ll be shocked to know that he has neither presented himself nor any of his children or ward for any elective office. He has always shown disdain for such style of politics.
Those who do not know him tried hard in 2011 when some people besieged him with so much demands that he should support any of his kids for Edo governorship election, he turned the offer down and opted to support another candidate that is in nowhere close to his linage. That act alone won him respect the more from many people.
Hate him or love him, Chief Anenih is a political mega force you cannot shove aside in strategies; he has been giving enormous support to the government of President Jonathan whom he believe will take us to that Eldorado state he has been craving for.
If there is anything Chief Anenih loves the most, it is the singular act of loyalty; it is an open secret that if you are 100% loyal to him, he’ll do everything in his powers to pay back the loyalty; a reason he has had many loyalists at his at his beck and call.
His pastimes include jogging, reading, music and philanthropy. He loves Lucky Dube’s music a great deal. He can also be very humourous when he decides to be.
This is a birthday wish to a great but quiet giver and helper of the poor and needy and committed developer of men and women and communities.
Sir, May you always have as much strength and courage to lead us and, more importantly, a truly happy life. Happy birthday to the priceless gem of our time.
-Okojie, wrote in from Lagos.
