AMBODE’S INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

Few political pundits gave him any slim chance to emerge as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the keenly contested race for the governorship of the Centre of Excellence. And fewer still reposed confidence in him to articulate any virile vision to pilot the affairs of Lagos State, should he eventually achieve that political feat. But that was then, back in 2015 and this is now, midway in 2017.

Interestingly, some two years down the line, not a few of his diehard critics have literally ‘eaten their words’. What with Lagos emerging as the 5th largest economy in Africa and one of the top 100 most resilient in the world? For millions of the good people of Lagos, it is a new swan song on their lips as they doff their hats for none other than the amiable, visionary, creative and resourceful, go-getting Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. As the deluge of encomiums, plaudits and hearty felicitations from across the social spectrum greet his second year in office, it is worthy to highlight the leadership qualities that have stood him out in good stead.

The first of course, is adequate preparation for the onerous tasks of political leadership. That is, mentally, professionally and physically . It is never a tea party or a walk in the green, airy park. No! As Jack Welch succinctly puts it: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

On growing himself, having graduated from the University of Lagos at the age of 21, Ambode did not rest on his oars. He became a Chartered Accountant at the age of 24 with a Masters degree in Accounting. He founded Brandsmiths Consulting Limited.