NDDC and Ebie’s Portrait Of Empathy (OPINION)
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
It was John C. Maxwell, a globally acclaimed leadership trainer that once noted that when it comes to identifying a real leader, don’t listen to the claims of the person professing to be the leader. Don’t examine his credential. Don’t check his title. Check his influence as the proof of leadership is found in influence.
Essentially, Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, is one such individual that has not only proved beyond reasonable doubt, the resounding sense in the above remark but more than anything else, demonstrated that indeed, followers may doubt what their leaders say, but will always believe what they do
As subsequent paragraphs will reveal, there is every reason to believe that through his action within this short period of stirring and charting the course of the interventionist agency, Niger Deltans now understand clearly that though sympathy and empathy are two critical ingredients of leadership. Yet, it is always more rewarding to the followers when a leader is filled with more dosage of empathy than sympathy.
The reason is not farfetched. In sympathy, a leader tells his/her followers that he/she knows the way they feel. But in empathy, the leader penetrates the lives of his followers and participates in their struggles; he feels the way his followers feel. At the level of sympathy, followers may doubt what their leaders say, but when empathy is at work in a leader, the followers will always believe what they do.
Aside from the sustainable peace which currently envelops the Niger Delta region, and flows from the highly visionary and highly practical leadership provision by the present board and management of the NDDC, the recent testament and heartfelt appreciation by Ogbe-nmudein youths in the ancient city of Agbor, Ika South Local Government of Delta, supports the above assertion to Ebie for his acts of kindness and unflinching empathy for his people supports the above assertion.
To explain this point, at a recent meeting held Monday, February 26, 2024, in Ime-obi, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, the youths appreciated Barrister Chiedu Ebie for the provision of foodstuffs and other items to communities in Ika land and other parts of the states that make up the Niger Delta region.
Mr. Ephraim Omorodion, the National Chairman Ogbe-nmudein community Youths was not only factual but emphatic in his presentation.
He said in parts; Chiedu Ebie is a passionate advocate for youth development. At the wake of the food crisis in the country, Chiedu Ebie saw the need to provide much-needed palliative measures to the downtrodden in the various communities in Ika land. This particular axtion indicates that the NDDC board Chairman understands the plight of the people. His gestures did not go unnoticed as the youths took note of it, and have come together to express our heartfelt appreciation for his generosity.”
Omorodion further stated that Ebie’s commitment to community development is evident in his efforts to improve the standard of living of the common man, as the Chairman NDDC board, noting that Bar. Ebie has implemented various initiatives to enhance and better the living standard of the common man.
In a similar vein, Deacon Azuka Ayogbe, an Executive member of the group, stated that Chiedu Ebie’s dedication to empowering youths is a trait in him that the youths admire so much.
Chiedu Ebie, according to him, has shown over time that he is a friend of the youths. Deacon Ayogbe acknowledged that Ebie’s actions serve as an inspiration for others to give back to their communities and help those in need. In this digital age, Ebie’s gesture spread hope and comfort within Ika community and has also become a source of pride for Delta State as a whole. He has left a lasting impact on the Ogbe-nmudein community. He concluded.
Again, the gathering said something else worth listening to; ;Ebie’s selfless actions serve as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of giving back to society. The Ogbe-nmudein youths, along with the rest of Delta State, are grateful for his unwavering dedication and commitment. Chiedu is a shining example of how one can make a difference in the world.”
While appreciating the NDDC board chairman for the various projects he has attracted to Ika land, affirming that with the body language of Bariister Ebie, it is obvious he has the interest of the region at heart and would do great things for the people, the group also appreciated President Ahmed Tinubu for finding Bar. Ebie worthy to handle such a position. The group concluded.
In a related development, Delta North Senatorial district some weeks ago lost two of her illustrious sons Dr. Cairo Ojougboh in Agbor, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba and an illustrious daughter, Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma and icon of Anioma culture at Okpanam.
Ebie in his leadership style characterized by empathy, despite his other official schedules prioritized paying condolence visits to the families of these illustrious and sons and daughter of Anioma origin.
For me, this is the textbook definition of public leadership.
The leadership lessons, in my view, other public office holders in the country must draw from this account is that as leaders, you are watched closely. During a period of hardship, want or crisis, your followers watch with microscope, noting every move you make. In such a period, they learn a great deal about you and what you really believe, as opposed to what you say!.
Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via;jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.
