Udom Inoyo: Leadership in an uncommon mold
“The left hand must not know what the right hand does. We do what we do to put smiles on the faces of people and not to take the shine off them. We are not in a popularity contest.”
The above quote was said by Mr Udom Uko Inoyo while responding to Vincent Aluu’s query on his refusal to join the fray of media hype as a tool to project his contributions towards the transformational narrative he brings to his people in the state and others who are not ‘his people.’
Recently, Inoyo honoured Prof. Joseph Akawu Ushie following his induction as first fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Prof. Ushie is Nigeria’s foremost Professor of General Stylistics and Literary Criticism and present Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo, Prof. Joseph Akawu Ushie, was inducted into a hall of fame where only few Nigerian literary giants in the class of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, JP Clark belong(ed). He became the first person dead or alive in the whole of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to become, Fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Prof Ushie, while giving his speech at the event wondered if Inoyo realizes that he’s not from Akwa Ibom but from Akorshi, Bendi, the hilly Obaniliku Local Government Area (where Obudu is) of Cross River State.
The Prof concluded by saying that Inoyo is of a different breed who has shown a strong strength of character, he thanked him for the honour.
Inoyo, still responding to Aluu’s query added, “my passion is to create value in the people so they will be useful to themselves and society not people who would be begging for handouts to survive. My mission is to create capacity in youths to be self sustained, independent job and wealth creators, if leadership is not to show the people the road to better life and future, then the opportunity is a wasted one”
In addressing the criteria for leadership, Paul the Apostle, in his letter to Titus in Titus 1′:5 – 11 said:
“. _…And ordain Elders in every city, as I appointed thee. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon to angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre. But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers for there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers…”
Most of the qualities highlighted by Paul is required in all leadership sphere, if there’s to be a positive impact.
Inoyo, spent 31 years in Exxonmobil, rose to the top of his career and retired without a query, bribery allegation, suspension or corruption issue.
I am sure, Inoyo must have been influenced by christian principles which kept him and leveraging on such he remains an example to believers.
Examplary Leaders are not afraid of trailers or the scrutiny of Government security agencies. Antecedent speaks louder than words, we may applaud good words but often ‘ _hollowishly_ ‘ empty without character.
We joy – stick content because there’s hope. Inoyo has an antecedent that’s without blemish, not that there were no temptations but he worked in Exxonmobil obeying their rules and regulations with his cupboard still open for them to come search.
This reminds me of my father’s wall clock given to him after 35 years in the civil service. He was proud of it, we saw nothing in it, until the eyes of our understanding was open – he left with a good name, that cannot be bought.
Inoyo, had said to Aluu and I quote ” I run on the fuel of hard work, diligence, honesty, and fear of God…” Institutions can investigate these claims to ascertain the veracity of it.
It’s time we leave spurious accusations and character assassinations that are without correlative evidence. A lot has been said about Inoyo, most of the negative vibes are strings attached to politics. I have heard and read people say he is training and rewarding teachers because he wants to be governor in 2023.
Obviously, this is not true, Inoyo Toro Foundation has been doing that for the past 14 years, this can be investigated, the records are there and the teachers alive. This activity is known now because of the speculation of his interest in emerging the next governor of this state, so perceived opponents look for what to smear.
If he had wanted to go the way of others the media would have been washed with his activities long before now, even right now he takes his strides without engaging in the tempting media war.
Popularity does not translate to leadership and being noisy changes nothing. My friend and Sister, Emem Nkereuwem introduced me to the Inoyo syndrome and the very few times I have had the privilege of interacting with him I saw, simplicity, hospitality, joviality, a person of excellence, hard worker, professionalism and a very understanding person.
Let me conclude the same way the publisher of Naija Eye Witness News Mr Vincent Aluu concluded: ” As a scholar on leadership and governance the conclusion of the matter is that: If Akwa Ibom or Nigeria, needs a new kind of leadership that is transformational, they should search no further, Udom Inoyo represents that paradigm shift we earnestly seek or yearn for.
