In the heart of Anambra West, a quiet revolution in leadership philosophy is taking place—one that challenges the traditional Nigerian political narrative of personal enrichment and individual advancement. Two men, from different spheres of influence, are rewriting the rules of what it means to lead, choosing collective prosperity over personal gain in ways that are transforming their communities and inspiring a new generation of public servants.
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne and an APGA chieftain, Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah have formed an unlikely partnership that exemplifies leadership redefined. Their collaboration transcends the usual boundaries between government and private initiative, creating a synergy that places community development at the centre of all political activity.
What makes their approach revolutionary is not just what they do but what they deliberately choose not to pursue. In a political environment where office holders often view their positions as opportunities for personal enrichment, Nwabunwanne has consistently channelled resources towards community development rather than personal advancement. His support for grassroots initiatives, reflects a commitment to service that extends beyond electoral calculations.
Similarly, Dr. Okonmah’s decision to invest his personal resources in political mobilisation without seeking government appointments or contracts represents a fundamental departure from traditional political engagement. His funding of the massive Ezi Anam rally—providing food, drinks, and transportation for over 2,000 attendees—demonstrates leadership motivated by vision rather than immediate reward.
This partnership has redefined what leadership looks like in Anambra West, moving beyond the zero-sum mentality that has long characterised Nigerian politics. Instead of competing for scarce resources or positioning themselves for personal advantage, both men have chosen to pool their different forms of capital—governmental authority and private resources—in service of a greater goal: the transformation of their communities and the realisation of Governor Soludo’s vision for Anambra State.
Their approach represents a profound shift from leadership as extraction to leadership as investment. Where traditional political figures often view their positions as opportunities to accumulate wealth and influence for personal benefit, Nwabunwanne and Okonmah have inverted this relationship, using their positions and resources to multiply opportunities for others.
The impact of this leadership philosophy extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries of their initiatives. Communities throughout Anambra West are witnessing a different model of political engagement—one where leaders’ success is measured by community advancement rather than personal accumulation. This demonstration of selfless service is creating ripple effects that challenge long-held assumptions about political motivation and public service.
Dr. Okonmah’s commitment to Governor Soludo’s “African Dubai Taiwan” vision illustrates how personal sacrifice can serve larger transformation goals. Rather than positioning himself for immediate political rewards, he has chosen to invest in a long-term vision that may not yield personal benefits for years, if ever. His willingness to expend his own resources for this pursuit reflects leadership that looks beyond electoral cycles towards generational change.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne’s approach to governance demonstrates how public officials can use their positions to amplify rather than compete with private initiative. His reasonable support for Okonmah’s rally logistics, combined with his own commitments to infrastructure development and political inclusion, shows how government authority can serve as a force multiplier for community-driven development.
Together, they are proving that effective leadership in contemporary Nigeria doesn’t require choosing between public service and private initiative, but rather finding ways to align these forces towards common goals. Their partnership challenges the assumption that government and private citizens must operate in separate spheres, demonstrating instead how collaboration can produce results that neither could achieve alone.
The broader implications of their leadership model extend far beyond Anambra West. As Nigeria struggles with widespread disillusionment about political leadership, their example offers proof that different approaches to governance are not only possible but can be more effective than traditional methods. Their focus on collective advancement rather than personal gain provides a template that could inspire similar partnerships across the country.
Their commitment to building others rather than advancing themselves only has created a different political culture in their sphere of influence. Young people in Anambra West increasingly point to their example when discussing what leadership should look like.
Through the Akalaka Foundation, Dr. Okonmah has created an independent platform for community development that complements rather than competes with government initiatives. This approach demonstrates how private citizens can contribute to governance without seeking to replace or undermine public institutions, but rather to strengthen and support them.
The sustainability of their approach lies not in its dependence on exceptional individuals but in its demonstration of how ordinary people in positions of influence can choose service over self-interest. Their partnership shows that redefining leadership doesn’t require superhuman qualities but rather the conscious decision to prioritise collective advancement over personal gain.
As the November gubernatorial election approaches, their joint efforts represent more than political mobilisation—they embody a vision of leadership that could reshape Anambra West political culture. Their willingness to invest in transformation without guarantees of personal reward offers hope that selfless leadership is not only possible but can be more effective than its self-serving alternative.
In redefining leadership for Anambra West, Commissioner Nwabunwanne, and Dr. Okonmah have created something rare in contemporary Nigerian politics: a demonstration that the greatest personal achievement can come from choosing collective success over individual advancement. Their partnership stands as proof that when leaders genuinely put community before self, they don’t diminish their own influence—they multiply it in ways that benefit everyone.
