Forgotten Dairies
The Leadership of Senator Atiku Bagudu: A Model of Discipline and Intellectuality -By Seun Elere
Today, as Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges in governance, it is important to share stories of leadership like Bagudu’s. He may not recall these encounters, and certainly has no knowledge of my existence, but the lessons from his leadership are worth highlighting. In a time when negative portrayals of our leaders dominate the headlines, it is important to remember that exemplary leadership still exists — even in the corridors of power. Senator Atiku Bagudu’s story is one we should all learn from.
In the midst of Nigeria’s often tumultuous political landscape, stories of exemplary leadership can be hard to come by. However, I had the privilege of witnessing one such example firsthand through my encounters with Senator Atiku Bagudu, the current Minister of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. What I observed about him as a governor, and later as a federal minister, left a lasting impression that deserves to be shared, especially at a time when many of our political figures are viewed with skepticism.
Some years back, I was involved in a national food safety project aimed at improving consumer awareness in traditional markets. The concept of food safety was still largely unknown in Nigeria, and its connection to traditional markets was even more foreign to the public. The project was set to launch at both the national and state levels, with Senator Bagudu, as the sitting governor of Kebbi state, co-hosting the national event alongside the Honorable Minister of Health.
We had communicated the event agenda to the governor’s team. Registration was to begin at 10 a.m., with the main program kicking off at 11 a.m. However, due to a mix-up, the governor was informed that the event began at 10 a.m. To our surprise, he arrived promptly at 10 a.m. — something almost unheard of for high-ranking political figures. Even more surprising was that the event had not yet begun, and only a handful of participants had arrived.
In a rare show of flexibility, my boss scrambled to meet with the governor’s aides, requesting that he either wait in a VIP lounge or return closer to the official start time. To our amazement, the governor returned exactly at 11 a.m., showing not only his punctuality but his commitment to the cause. It was an extraordinary demonstration of discipline and responsibility.
What truly struck me, however, was his profound knowledge of a subject that was still unfamiliar to many experts in the field of food and nutrition. When the time came for him to speak, he did so without a prepared speech, addressing the audience extemporaneously with such depth and clarity that it was as if he were a certified expert on the subject. He skillfully used a relatable story to underscore the importance of food safety, and his delivery was nothing short of captivating.
This remarkable display of discipline and intellect wasn’t a one-off. After the national launch, Governor Bagudu was invited to launch the project at the state level in his home state. By this time, we had learned our lessons and communicated the exact start time. Once again, he arrived precisely on time, and his speech on food safety was even more commanding than at the national level. He spoke, without a prepared speech, with such authority on a subject many would assume he had little exposure to — a testament to his intellectual curiosity and capacity.
Fast forward a few years, and I had the privilege of hosting a national dialogue to introduce another nutrition project. By this time, Senator Bagudu had completed his tenure as governor and was serving as a federal minister. Once again, he arrived just about 5 minutes after the event started, and, once more, his speech demonstrated an expertise on the subject.
These experiences with Senator Atiku Bagudu have left an indelible impression on me. In a world where political figures are often judged by their failures and shortcomings, Bagudu’s discipline and intellectuality stand out. His ability to arrive on time, his intellectual depth on a wide range of issues, and his genuine dedication to serving his people are qualities that are rarely seen in politicians, especially those at his level.
Rumor has it that he was one of the few governors who left his successor with a healthy state treasury, unlike others who left behind empty coffers or crippling debts. This speaks to his financial prudence and foresight, qualities that are invaluable in leadership.
Today, as Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges in governance, it is important to share stories of leadership like Bagudu’s. He may not recall these encounters, and certainly has no knowledge of my existence, but the lessons from his leadership are worth highlighting. In a time when negative portrayals of our leaders dominate the headlines, it is important to remember that exemplary leadership still exists — even in the corridors of power. Senator Atiku Bagudu’s story is one we should all learn from.
Seun Elere
Social Inclusion Advocate
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