Chief Emman Amgbaduba: Ode to a remarkable leader

By Nelson Egware

The concept of leadership is more than merely having the capacity to command, dominate, govern, or guide others; rather, it starts in the mind. That is, the instant you bring new concepts, inventions, and opportunities to life that have the potential to inspire the kind of change you want to see in people and in society.

A leader is someone who leads by example, thinks and acts morally, and instructs others in appropriate behaviour. A real leader inspires and motivates his team, establishes the direction and tone, and leads them in the correct way. A great leader is someone who is fearless, tenacious, laser-focused, and fervent about achieving a shared objective.

A deep reflection on the remarkable characteristics of Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, the immediate past Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, as he takes another trip round the sun is indeed a fascinating escapade and compelling excursion. It is also a veritable opportunity to relive his unique personality, leadership traits and their positive impact on the people.

Celebrating his remarkable birth anniversary on May 6 is a great feat for the erstwhile Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta South Senatorial District. Chief Amgbaduba’s records in all the public offices occupied exemplifies his astute commitment to the well being of the people.

The former Commissioner is a good man, a very calm person, a devout member of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel) and a bridge-builder who does not prioritise personal interests and narrow-mindedness over the needs and well-being of others, nor does he or she separate people based on their class, ethnicity, politics, or religion.

He absorbs wholeheartedly from the moral precepts of the Church, particularly the Christian duty to advance harmony, love, and peace as well as to share in the suffering of others by lessening it.

Without any iota of doubt, the former commissioner and party administrator has always given God the glory, devotion, and gratitude for his extraordinary achievements while in office. These accomplishments were made possible by his resourcefulness, diligence, vision, dignity, generosity, and patriotic gestures. He also had a peaceful demeanour, humility, inclusion, kindness, sacrifices, forbearance, and commitment to God.

Amgbaduba, fondly known as “Oziko”, the Tonkepa of the ancient Ogbolubiri-mein Kingdom and the Mientonghan of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Bomadi Local Government Area. He is a fully blooded Delta State indigen; born and bred in the State. He is paternally from Ofonibenghan (Okrika) in Burutu Local Government Area and maternally from Gbaregolor in Ughelli South Local Government Area all in Delta State.

As a typical “Warri Boy” and someone who grew up in the heart of the Oil City, he is an active player in Delta politics since inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999 and by the special grace of God, he has the political clout which is visible in every nook and cranny of the State.

He is a public administrator of repute and his records in public service speaks for him. He was one time a Senior Recruitment Consultant, UK in 2002; Special Envoy to the Delta State Government in the UK/Europe in 2005 amongst others.

In Delta State, he has held many covetous positions in the State Government from time to time. He was one time a member of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board in 2009; Second Member, Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), 2010 and later, First Member, SUBEB, Delta State in 2015, etc.

As a seasoned public administrator, his records in public service have also been extended to the PDP in the State which has undoubtedly boosted the Party’s fortune in Delta State. He was the immediate past Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District (State Vice Chairman), PDP. During his tenure in the Office, he was equally appointed as the Chairman, PDP State Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee in 2017.

Again, in 2019, he became the Secretary, PDP State Facts Finding/Disciplinary Committee to review the Party’s performances in the 2019 general elections. While still holding the Senatorial Chairman’s office, he was also appointed as the Chairman, Delta South Mega Rally Central Organizing Committee, 2017; Returning Officer, PDP Delta South Senatorial Primary Election, 2018; Returning Officer PDP, DTHA Sapele Constituency Primary Election, 2022 and Returning Officer, Okpe, Uvwie and Sapele Federal Constituency Primary Election for the PDP in 2022 amongst others too numerous to mention.

Similarly, he was appointed twice by the immediate past governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa as the Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas. To add to his administrative credentials, he was again appointed as the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Delta State PDP Campaign Council, 2023; Member, Venue Committee of the Delta State PDP Campaign Council, 2023; Member, Environment/Sanitation Committee, Delta State Transition Committee, 2023, etc.

A core Deltan with vast knowledge of local languages, Amgbaduba speaks English Language, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri and Igbo languages very fluently. He is a unifier, bridge-builder, astute administrator, a patient listener, a goal getter, silent achiever, youth/gender friendly, a lovable character, a loyal party man and above all God fearing. He is happily married and blessed with children.

Chief Amgbaduba, as you celebrate this day, may the good Lord continue to guide, protect and bless you with peace, joy, good health, strength, prosperity, and more years of selfless service to the state and humanity.

An excellent leader always leaves you inspired. Chief Amgbaduba has always inspired me and many others to become better leaders. He is a man who is passionate about service to the people and the state in general. He has demonstrated this in all the positions the Almighty God has given him the opportunity to serve. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do more if given the opportunity to serve, even at a higher position.

As triple Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba celebrates his new age, may the Almighty God grant him many more years, good health, and wisdom to continue to render selfless service to humanity, Delta and Nigeria in general.

Happy Birthday, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, The Tonkepa of Ogbolubiri-Mein Kingdom, the Mientonghan of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom and the Gesiyemieowie of Operemor Kingdom!

Nelson Egware writes from Asaba.