OBIANO AND THE ZIK BRAND
The importance of the leadership question is underlined by the continued institution of prizes to honour outstanding leadership all over the world. From the Nobel Peace Prize to the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in Leadership in Africa, we find reputable platforms dedicated to the nurturing of this multi sectoral discipline. These recognition laurels consequently become facilities both for inspiring and reinforcing high standards in leadership.
According to Salim Ahmed Salim, former OAU Secretary Genenral and Chairman, award committee, Mo Ibrahim Prize on leadership, the ‘contribution of executive leadership is many ways, far greater in Africa. The continent’s problems are after all, so much more severe and complex…. They also lack the institutional support on which their counterparts elsewhere can rely.’[THISDAY, June 21, 2016]
With the return of democracy in 1999, the Zik Prize for Leadership has emerged as a leading national platform for recognition of inspiring performance in public office. This has happened for two principal reasons.
The late Azikiwe’s reputation has rubbed off on the award. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was not just Nigeria’s first Senate President and President of the Republic. He was the acclaimed Zik of Africa listed in every encyclopaedia of note. In Penguin’s classic Dictionary of Politics, there is a slot on Zikism. Viewed as one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Azikiwe is regarded for his inclusive national politics. There is presumed in this ‘philosophy’ an overriding concern for the stability of the country; which constructive engagement saw to the historic NPC/NCNC coalition and the NPP/NPN accord.
On the foundation of Zik’s legacy, the prize has been bolstered under the administration of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre. The PPRAC stands out for its continental composition and distinguished leadership. Professor Jibril Aminu took over the chairmanship of the body a few years ago from Professor Anya O. Anya. The Zik Prize then is not another prize.
It is no longer news that the 2015 edition of the medal will be invested on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on July 10, 2016. The element of surprise for some analysts is in the seeming inappropriateness of selecting someone who has been in office for just two years! Should we quarrel with or applaud the whiz kid who completes a 24-month doctoral study in 12 months?
It is not surprising that Willie Obiano presently holds the attention of the discerning public. Willie Nwokoye makes the brilliant point that Obiano has ‘raised the bar of governance in Anambra State.’ And I should add, with seeming ease.