Immediate past National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Dr Tommy Etim Okon, has identified leadership gaps as a major challenge facing Nigeria, urging leaders to embrace accountability, service and mentorship to prepare the younger generation for future responsibilities.
Okon spoke in Abuja during activities marking his 60th birthday and the launch of his book, The 5 A’s of Leadership: A Practical Blueprint for Effective and Transformational Leadership.
He said effective leadership should be anchored on five principles — availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability and accountability — which he described as essential qualities for anyone entrusted with responsibility.
According to the labour leader, Nigeria’s leadership challenges require individuals in positions of authority to prioritise service, measurable impact and the development of successors rather than becoming attached to office.
Okon said the book was inspired by his desire to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing leadership challenges in Nigeria and provide practical guidance for current and aspiring leaders.
He stressed that leadership should not be defined merely by the position an individual occupies but by the impact, influence and legacy the person leaves behind.
“I have discovered that one of the challenges facing Nigeria today is leadership,” Okon said.
He added that leaders should see themselves as agents of positive change who can influence others and contribute to the transformation of society.
Explaining the five principles outlined in the book, Okon said leaders must be available to the people they serve, accessible when their attention is required, acceptable to their followers, adaptable to changing circumstances and accountable for their actions and decisions.
He also encouraged leaders and aspiring leaders to cultivate a strong reading culture, saying continuous learning was important for understanding the responsibilities and demands of leadership.
Okon disclosed that the idea for the book was conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown and was subsequently developed into a publication that could serve as a reference for future generations.
He said one of his major ambitions was to leave a legacy that would continue to inspire people long after his exit from public service and organised labour.
“Power is transient. Wherever you have the opportunity to lead, your vision must be translated into something tangible. When you leave, you must also mentor others,” he said.
Okon urged leaders not to become overly attached to positions, but to ensure their contributions, achievements and mentorship remain evident after leaving office.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of ASCSN, Comrade Joshua Apebo, described leadership as a demanding responsibility requiring continuous evaluation, learning and adjustment.
Apebo said the principles contained in Okon’s book could help leaders deliver more effective leadership and governance if properly applied.
He recalled that his working relationship with Okon remained cordial while Okon served as National President of the association.
The ASCSN General Secretary recommended the book to individuals occupying or aspiring to leadership positions, describing it as a useful guide to effective and transformational leadership.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno on Mobilisation in Abuja, Hon. Kingsley Iwok, described Okon as a leader who promotes unity, community development and mentorship.
Iwok said the book represented a significant intellectual contribution to discussions on leadership and nation-building.
He noted that some of the principles outlined in the publication, particularly availability and accessibility, were also reflected in Governor Eno’s approach to governance.
Iwok recalled how Okon encouraged and financially supported him to return to school after recognising his academic potential, describing the gesture as an example of the author’s commitment to mentoring and empowering younger people.
He urged leaders across the country to embrace discipline, accountability and high ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Reviewing the book, Dr Murna Joy Loma, Deputy Director of International Labour Relations and Special Technical Assistant to the Minister of Labour and Employment, described the publication as both an academic resource and a practical leadership guide.
Loma said the five principles of availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability and accountability provided a useful framework for leaders seeking to build trust and achieve organisational and societal objectives.
She stressed that leadership should not be about the exercise of power or seeking personal recognition, but about service to others.
According to her, leaders must make themselves available and accessible to their followers, earn their confidence and acceptance, understand the peculiarities of those they lead, adapt to changing circumstances and remain accountable.
Loma said one of the central lessons of the book was the importance of building mutual confidence between leaders and their followers.
She urged Nigerians, particularly those occupying positions of responsibility, to embrace leadership qualities that promote service, accountability, mentorship and sustainable impact.
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