By joshua 
My philosophies on leadership have evolved over time through research, experiences in daily happenings across the globe in terms of practices in governance.
I believe that the best leaders are passionate about developing the emerging leaders around them, they constantly work to improve their emotional intelligence and know that a strong team culture is the foundation for accomplishing the mission. They are in a perpetual state of preparation and embrace the inevitable changes their concerns will face.
Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello represents a crop of new generational leader whom even though not a fan of some have carved a brand for himself in leadership and governance. A leader who seeks to excel will first and foremost have faith in his own beliefs. You can’t expect others to consider you a leader unless you have solid faith in your ideas. And once it’s there, you build on it by being a good communicator, listening to others, setting examples and by putting your best foot forward and not giving up. Leadership is all about being passionate about what you do, and having confidence in yourself and your followers whom you have to motivate and inspire.
No doubt, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello’s choice of Chief Edward Onoja in the early days of his voyage into governance was never a mistake as aside the fact that Chief Edward David Onoja was prepared in all ramifications, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello himself had confidence and faith in his own choices. His choices were also followed by his free will approach to governance where he allowed all around him to discover that leadership attribute in them.
Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello was not a leader who muscles his followers especially those who are close to him. He allowed for effective participation in the daily governance of the state. Through this approach made available, Chief Edward David Onoja was able to quickly consolidate his leadership skills in practical governance and most of all, how to run a complex system like ours.
Great leaders they often say makes the hard choice, and self-sacrifice in order to enhance the lives of others around them. Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello went over board jettisoning old practices of having a Chief of staff from ones ethnic orientation and even religion by appointing Chief Edward Onoja as his chief of staff. The motivations behind this I am sure was the sensitivity of our diversity as a state as he knows that a whole lot of persons who believed in the system especially from other tribes in the states needs to have an integral sense of belonging in a system they all made to be a reality. To onlookers, it was rare but to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, it was a style of contemporary politics.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of every individual to effectively manage the outcome of a team is imperative for success in any organizational settings. Leaders have a great vision and use the resources at hand to solve problems. Those are the most important qualities of a real leader. Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello’s choice of Chief Edward Onoja never envisaged that there won’t be weaknesses. He was optimistic and convinced that in learning the ropes of leadership, imperfections will spring up and it is from every imperfections that one learns to be perfect. His promotion as the Deputy Governor of the state is an evidence that his successes were far above his shortcomings.
Governor Yahaya Bello from inception till date have continually empowered Chief Edward David Onoja in the toughest of all leadership lessons through constant engagement in “Hands on” governance. This is because great leaders surround themselves with great people that they can cultivate into a team of competent, confident individuals who can work well as a team. Ultimately, a great leader creates and nurtures other leaders. It is not surprising that Chief Edward Onoja remains the most actively engaged deputy Governor in Nigeria today since the return of democracy.
Departing from old practices, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello is not scared of building leaders that will do much more better than himself in the future. He is also in the know that great leaders that help people reach their goals, are not afraid to hire people that might be better than them and take pride in the accomplishments of those they help along the way. it takes a double capacity to double the achievement of a mentor.
Great leadership is determined by one’s periodical blend of personal humility and unparalleled will to lead others in service of a cause bigger than themselves. Great leaders are incredibly ambitious, but never for themselves. Rather, they are ambitious for the overall team and possess the will do do whatever is necessary in service of this greater cause. Governor Yahaya Adoza’s voyage into the last presidential race in Nigeria was borne out of the need to carve a space for his team on the National space. It was also all about growing their capacity to advance further in terms of leadership and governance. It goes beyond the ambition that many see. Chief Edward Onoja’s ambition to be the Governor of Kogi State is not a mistake but a strategic leadership – followership template laid on ground by Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The choice of Chief Edward David Onoja as the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and subsequently the deputy Governor of Kogi State was obviously deliberate. Being an effective leader requires constant focus, perseverance and also, building a team that is accountable and designed get results. Without the team being in place, there can be no real leadership. This unique perspectives provides great insight while also validating certain commonalities sorrounding the ambition of Chief Edward Onoja.
*Fanisi Babatunde, A Doctoral Research Scholar writes from the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria* .