In an era where effective leadership is more crucial than ever, Hon. (Dr.) Saheed Mosadoluwa stands out as a beacon of visionary leadership. His approach transcends traditional governance, embodying a blend of innovation, empathy, and strategic foresight that inspires those around him and fosters community growth.

Pioneering Change Through Vision

Dr. Mosadoluwa’s leadership is characterized by a clear, forward-thinking vision. His ability to foresee challenges and opportunities allows him to craft policies that not only address current issues but also lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. He understands that visionary leadership is not just about having a great idea; it is about mobilizing resources, people, and initiatives to turn ideas into reality.

Empathy and Inclusivity at the Core

At the heart of his leadership philosophy is a deep sense of empathy. Dr. Mosadoluwa believes that true leadership involves listening to the voices of the people and prioritizing their needs. He fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every stakeholder feels heard and respected. This commitment to inclusivity not only strengthens community ties but also enhances the effectiveness of governance.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development

Dr. Mosadoluwa recognizes the complexities of today’s challenges and approaches them with innovative, sustainable solutions. He champions initiatives that leverage technology, education, and sustainable practices to drive development. His focus on smart, sustainable urban planning and community-driven projects demonstrates his commitment to fostering resilient communities that can thrive in the face of adversity.

Empowering Future Leaders

As a visionary leader, Dr. Mosadoluwa is dedicated to empowerment. He actively mentors the next generation of leaders, believing that true leadership involves creating opportunities for others to grow. Through workshops, seminars, and community engagement initiatives, he inspires young minds to develop their leadership potential and become active participants in shaping their futures.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Honesty and integrity are cornerstones of Dr. Mosadoluwa’s leadership. He believes that transparent governance builds trust within the community. By promoting open communication and accountability, he sets a standard for ethical leadership, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the community.

Conclusion

Hon. (Dr.) Saheed Mosadoluwa is more than just a leader—he is a visionary. Through his innovative strategies, empathetic approach, and commitment to inclusivity, he is redefining the true definition of what Leadership. As he continues to inspire and enact positive change, Dr. Mosadoluwa remains dedicated to building a better future for all, proving that with visionary leadership, anything is possible.

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

August last year, somewhere around the Wuse 2 District, Abuja; which has virtually turned to a massive business area hosted a birthday party in honour of a former lawmaker. The event, held at lunchtime was attended by about three dozen legislators; past and present, entrepreneurs, friends, associates, and others. While the party went on, somebody walked in quietly, with no airs, not chaperoned by any security personnel; as is common with most of our influential personalities and highly-placed officials. A few minutes later, the compere introduced the “discreet, and largely anonymous” person as Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. Surprised, a middle-aged real estate consultant sitting on the same table with the writer, whispered; Is this true? This man looks simple, ordinary, and too free.” This elicited a few comments, commentary, and compliments among those around the table.

This encapsulates Chinda Kingsley, the focus of this piece. From observations, he lives a well-cultured and non-complicated life. He is unobtrusive and not all-knowing in his interactions and relationships with people. Genial and gentle, he is a perfect specimen of humility and humanity. For him, life and living are better when you stay simple, ordinary and  avoid complications. Unconventional in operations, and sensitive in every of his dealings with people. A journalist friend who has been covering the Legislature for over two decades confirmed that, “while many of his colleagues loves being called ‘Honourable’ or ‘Right Honourable’ affixed to their names, Chinda prefers and insists on the usage of “Rep” short form of ‘Representative.’ He remains lissome and limpid in matters that have to do with good governance, legislative resourcefulness, national development, and general well-being of the ordinary people. He exemplifies grit and resilience in the fight against injustice, oppression, subjugation, and suppression of the common man. He remains an unequivocal and unapologetic believer in equity, fairness, inclusivity, and social justice.

Chinda is a trailblazer in legislative service. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, to represent the good people of Obio-Akpor federal constituency. He has achieved an unprecedented milestone by being re-elected four consecutive times; 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He remains the first and only lawmaker to enjoy the enviable record in his constituency and Rivers state. That his constituents have consistently invested their respective electoral franchise in him as their representative is an eloquent statement of recognition, acceptance, and performance. Between 2011 and now, he has recorded impressive legislative achievements in various roles and positions. In the 7th Assembly, as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Customs, he played a pivotal role in overseeing and reforming customs operations, contributing to enhanced revenue generation. Elevated to Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the 8th Assembly, he spearheaded the automation of records, ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Though he was not given any leadership position in the 9th Assembly, largely due to his principled stance, and adherence to the party’s directive on the Speakership position, he was very active and intentional; whenever he had opportunities to contribute to debates. His power of advocacy, fight for the down trodden, and improved service delivery by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were vigorously pursued and passionately canvassed during Oversight functions, and necessary interface with the Executive arm of government. Recognizing his leadership qualities, his colleagues unanimously elected him as the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly. This, represents yet another trail-blazing, and well-deserved elevation. He is the first from the “Treasure Base” state to occupy such a position. As the Leader of Opposition, he continues to advocate for democratic principles and robust legislative processes. Operating an all-inclusive, and all-embracing policy, he prefers a collegiate leadership in managing the affairs of the Minority Caucus; clear departure from past experiences.

In his capacity as the Minority Leader, Chinda has been a vocal advocate for transparent and accountable governance. He has called for timely submission of budget estimates to the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of thorough legislative scrutiny in the interest of the Nigerian people. Additionally, he has urged robust, and positive-yielding deliberations on tax reform bills, assuring that any clauses detrimental to public welfare will be addressed, and reflecting his commitment to policies that serve the common good. Also, Chinda has been forthright, committed, and consistent in deepening democracy. His recent motion to probe the spending of bailout and take-off grants by MDAs highlights his dedication to transparency and accountability in governance. His character, capacity, and competence have made him an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s legislature. His profound understanding of legislative issues and practices has elevated representation to greater heights, and inspiring impactful contributions to national development.   His courageous and progressive approach to issues have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected members of the National Assembly.

Championing constituency development and empowerment, Chinda’s commitment to uplifting the overall living standards of the good people of Obio-Akpor federal constituency is evident through numerous initiatives. Geared towards improving the quality of life, the interventions which cuts across different sectors have remained beneficial primarily to his constituents, and people from contiguous communities and the state. On consistent bases, he facilitates yearly distribution of free JAMB forms; provides financial assistance for school fees for deserving and indigent students; provision of desks, chairs, and other furnitures; construction of buildings; capacity building and re-training programmes for teachers; and other interventions towards promoting educational advancement. Regular healthcare initiatives that includes different medical outreach programmes and interventions; facilitating institutional assistance and personal financial support to some patients that require comprehensive medical attention; and other interventions towards ensuring accessible healthcare services for his constituents.

Recognizing the importance of self-reliance, he organizes various skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training programmes in ICT; welding; snail farming; fashion designing; hair dressing; barbing and more towards equipping individuals with valuable skills that would help self sustainance and ignite their entrepreneurial development. He has been deliberate and intentional towards infrastructural development of the constituency. Through the provision of solar street lightings; interventions in the environments; and similar initiatives, there are visible and concrete measures geared towards communal development. Through the OK Chinda Youth AgriBusiness and Food Security Initiative (OYAFSI), many constituents are (still) trained to explore the various value chains towards emerging as successful entrepreneurs. Periodic competitions in table tennis, and few other sports are organized (and planned) to explore, develop, and deepen the potentials of youths. Additionally, the various constituency empowerment programmes which cuts across different vocations, and trade includes distribution of buses and tricycles; facilitation of grants, and financial support to semi and informal groups and individuals, as well as some other initiatives.

Described variously as forthright, sincere, and tolerant, Chinda embodies the virtues of loyalty and friendship. Reputed for his knack for hard work, and selfless sacrifices towards the  development of colleagues, he can be described as a paragon of integrity and excellence. A deeply detribalized personality with friends from different parts of the country, he is loved by many people within and without the National Assembly, and Rivers state. Corroborating, Hon. Dum Dekor, Chairman, Rivers state Caucus in the House declared that, “he is such a sacrificial and selfless person. He goes out of his way towards ensuring that his colleagues get the best.” Hon.Solomon Bob, Chairman, Committee on Capital Market &  Institutions declared that, “he has made very impactful contributions to the career growth of many people.” For Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Agriculture Production & Services, “no word is big enough to describe Leader. He is extremely accessible, transparent and accountable. In spite his intelligence and brilliance, he gives room for other opinions on any matter.”

While Barrister Abdu Mahmud, a friend eulogized Chinda as, “a very good man, whose  commitment to true friendship, and loyalty to shared vision is always encouraging,” Rimamnde Shawulu, Chief Executive Officer, Ndeya TV & Radio, said, “that Chinda is respected and loved by many people is not a misnomer. Simply put: he has attributes that stand him out.” For TeeJay Yusuf, Managing Director, 2511 Limited, “he is a distinguished personality whose unwavering dedication and exemplary service to friends, constituency, state, and nation have been profoundly impactful.” Hon. Emman Ekon believes, “not many people can be as tolerant, kindhearted, and committed to friendship like Chinda.”

On the occasion of the birthday of a legislative collossus whose life, and politics exemplifies service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the society, we pray that his journey continues to inspire. Also, we wish that his contributions leave an indelible mark on the path towards a more progressive, prosperous, and just nation.

Happy Birthday; Leader!!!

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Last week, was the 10th week in 2025. That over two months had gone in quick successions is surprising. For the writer, it was not a pleasant week. Characterized by shocking and fearful developments. A family friend survived a sudden health scare. Two other persons were involved in near-death road mishaps. Two painful deaths. In the early hours of Tuesday, a phone call announcing the death of a friend’s elder brother; Reverend Pius Femi Oladele did not only jolt but elicited moody mode. Questions, puzzles, and posers kept running through my heart; begging for responses. Still in a foul state of pain, and confusion, a late-night message woke me up. Professor Tunde Olusunle of the University of Abuja, who was my former boss at the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, broke the news of the death of Alhaji Wasiu Adegbenro Anjous.

The writer’s immediate response was that of doubt, disbelief, and disapproval. Within fast and racy minutes, the message was read numerous times. Why do good people die? Why has death taken Anjous? What may have happened? All night, through the early morning of the next day; being Saturday and usually set aside for long hours of jogging, sleep became scarce and scant. Reminiscences of the last phone call, chats, and messages with Anjous kept re-appearing, and re-echoing in one’s consciousness.

Wasiu Adegbenro Anjous, whom many preferred to call Alhaji, having fulfilled one of the foremost Islamic rights by visiting Mecca very early in life, was a perfect example of peoples man. Given his cosmopolitan upbringing; born and raised in Lagos by parents who were exposed and educated, Anjous was very friendly, extremely accessible, and genuinely loving. He was simple, charismatic, and fair-minded in his dealings and interactions with people. He was a likeable personality, very outgoing, and highly sociable. Though extremely knowledgeable and intelligent, he preferred to remain humble, unassuming, and welcoming during discussions, and exchange of ideas. His sense of humor, candour, and laughter were easily noticeable, and often times disarmingly contagious.

Fate and faith brought Anjous, the writer, and few others in our group together. How? When? Where? After his inauguration on May 29, 1999, at the beginning of the Fourth Republic as Nigeria’s President, Olusegun Obasanjo gave approval to initiatives to deepen public affairs management in the new government. Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and Prof. Tunde Olusunle; who were presidential adviser; and presidential senior assistant respectively, were said to have been the architects of the presidential benevolence. Obviously concerned and worried about how to accommodate professionals who worked in the media and publicity directorate of the Obasanjo presidential campaign organization; by the way, Ugochukwu and Olusunle were the Director, and Press Secretary respectively, and the urgent need to rejig information management, they both met, canvassed their thoughts, and got approvals thereafter. This led to the mass appointments of many people including those from the Obasanjo’s media and publicity team, and others who benefitted from the gesture that was driven by Ugochukwu and Olusunle’s far-thinking attributes and advocacy.

After being deployed to the office of Olusunle, few of the new “government pikins” including Tumo Ojelabi; Vincent Oyefeso; Ebele Aghaonu; Beatrice Edet; Taiwo Akinyemi, and the writer resumed formally on August 21, 2000; a Monday. Barely a week later, precisely August 29, which was a Tuesday, close to lunch time, a tall, handsome, broad-shouldered man clad in sky blue kaftan and trouser, well-embroidery black/white cap, and matching black sandals walked into the well-light, and air-conditioned office. After exchange of pleasantries, like a ready combatant he declared, “I am Anjous. Oga (Olusunle) told me we have new colleagues, and that is why I’m here. To formally meet with you, and introduce myself. I pray that we will enjoy working together as colleagues.”

Impressed by his simplicity and humility, the newbies took turns to appreciate the “august visitor.” Not done, Anjous ordered snacks and drinks to consummate the new relationship. As a passing shot, he said, “today is my birthday. If you don’t mind I’ll come after office hours for us all to mark the day somewhere in town.” A few hours later, we were at the popular “Tiv Joint” behind the National Library around Area 2, Garki District. We all savoured numbers of neatly spiced and fresh-from-oven chicken with “criminally cold” beverages, and other drinks. One recalls with nostalgia that few of us still did “take away” on the promptings of Anjous. The experience became a regular, and timely fixture for about seven years.

Anjous gave true meaning to friendship and relationship. He was the rallying point of his numerous colleagues; former and present; old and young; female and male. It was almost a taboo to see him walking alone. From resumption to the close of work, the office will always have one or more people with him, or waiting to see him. A completely detribalized Nigerian, he had friends that cut across tribes, ethnicity, and geographical locations. For religion, he was totally, thoroughly, and truly tolerant. Even as a practicing Muslim, Anjous, once in a while participates in morning devotions in the office. He was that good, easy-going, simple and calm. Through him, as new intakes, we knew some staff in The Presidency; within a short time. Though one can’t recall their surnames, it includes Alhaji Bashir; Alhaji Balogun; Akpan; Chukwuma; Hajia Khaltume; Toyin aka Gashi; Jaclyn; Andoor; Ijeoma; Abubakar; Rasheed; Shola; Titi; Isong; Adigun; Yusuf; Morgan; Joshua; Kemi; Vivien; Manasseh; Ade, and numerous others.

Anjous was an experienced civil servant, very versatile with a rich knowledge and understanding of the rules, regulations, ethos, and nuances of the bureaucracy. Described as an encyclopedia of information about the service, he was the go-to person by colleagues and friends who desire to find solutions, and responses to knotty issues, and challenges in their various beats. Given his long years of experiences, and mobility in the civil service, with a massive network of friends across MDAs, Anjous, within the snap of fingers knows who to call for any inquiry, request, and information. For his reliability, delivery, and problem-solving skills, he was an unofficial advisor to some presidential appointees, colleagues, and friends. Having worked in various sensitive and powerful MDAs, and offices; particularly during the IBB and Abacha regimes where he was one of the aides to the late Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, who was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, his data base of institutional memories, sequence of events, and other necessary details did not come as a surprise.

One of the major attributes of Anjous is building and nurturing friendship. His guiding principle was, “your friend is my friend.” It is always almost possible to see him in one part of the country or the other; mostly weekends for one social event or other related functions. Given this rare, and enviable attribute, aside Yoruba and English, he could fairly speak or have passing understanding of Hausa, Igbo, and few other languages. One recalls his persistence that “we have to be there for our colleague, and show love to her,” during the traditional wedding ceremony of Ebele; whom he called EB, which took place in Ozobulu, Anambra state, in the last few days of 2002. He did not only attend but dragged two other friends to attend the traditional and marriage solemnization of my friend, and brother, DCM (then SRC) Oladele Femi, in Ilorin sometime in 2001. The writer cannot forget his solidarity, love, and gesture at the wedding ceremonies of two siblings in Kaduna, at different years. How about the writer’s wedding in Lagos, where Anjous did not only attend but also mobilized some of his friends in Abuja and Lagos.

Arguably, the writer was the closest of the “class 2000” to Anjous. Realizing that both shared few attributes; in some ways, it was naturally easy to flow together. That he was interested in anything about the writer was not an over-statement. Unknown to many people, in 2008, he was one of the first-three individuals who broached the idea of publishing to the writer. He was full of ecstasy, and excitement when “Rethinking Nigeria” was formally presented to the public in June 2015. Indeed, in the past four years, as late as January 2025, aware the writer was working on three books, Anjous always sought to know the launch-dates. Back in August 2004, at the Holiday Inn, on the outskirts of Athens, Greece; as part of the Federal Government delegation to the Olympics, facilitated by Olusunle, while savouring lunch, Anjous spoke gently; “Mr. B (his moniker for the writer), I advise you not to stay long in civil service. Your potential and gifting can find better fulfillment outside government bureaucracy.” Years later, after exiting civil service, the writer and Anjous had breakfast together somewhere in Garki, and he stretched his hands, saying, “I congratulate you for the wise, and bold decision.” That is vintage Anjous; no inhibitions, straight from the heart.

Reactions and comments about the sudden and shocking demise of Anjous have been tearful, encouraging, and inspiring. Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, pioneer Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said, “it is unbelievable that we have lost a man that was so committed in all he was doing. He was such a hardworking and dedicated staff member who contributed his quota while at The Presidency.” Olusunle wondered why, “Anjous died at this period of time. He was a very reliable, dutiful, and multi-tasking staff whose knowledge of the civil service proved very useful.” For Chief Dickie Ulu, “what a shame! Anjous dead? Why? What is this? I’m lost for words.” DCM Oladele Femi of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, (FRSC) described him as, “a very friendly, helpful, and humble person. He was very open, and a peaceful man.” Ojelabi, a retired Director in the federal civil service, and one of the “class 2000” reasoned that, “only God gives and takes when He wills. Anjous touched many lives, he positively impacted on the lives of people. He was a friend to all, with no form or shade of discrimination.” Ebele, a serving Federal Director, and former colleague of Alhaji quipped, “it is unbelievable that he is dead. Somebody who was always full of life, accessible, and committed to friendship….it is a sad development.” Yes, we are hurting and grieving. Perhaps, the timeless words of departed legends may be trite at this moment. Abraham Lincoln said, “in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count…it’s the life in your years,” and Irving Berlin added that, “the song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

Indeed, Anjous’ life was a gift to us; his family, friends, and colleagues and we all will not only carry his sweet memories with us forever but ensuring that we sustain his service to mankind wherever we are, and in any way possible. Though we weep, we wail, we mourn but we cannot forget his good virtues, and death may have taken his body, but the love we all shared with him remains paramount.

Adieu, man of the people!
Adieu, the original “Omo Isale Eko!!!!

BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.