Chief Edward Onoja's Diligence in Service, An Adequate Pre-requisite for Greater Task »

By Fanisi Babatunde

One of the basic principles of the theology of work states that a worker who is diligent in service shall make unquantifiable contributions to the overall prosperity of an enterprise. The principle also went further to state that all strategy and plans of a dedicated worker is tailored towards abundance.

His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja can be likened to a diligent worker that has joined in ploughing, planting, nurturing and as must definitely join in harvesting. These are natural life principles that follows the natural law of nature no matter how long and how crooked the terrain is.

As scanty as the diligence trait is amongst leaders in this part of the world, Chief Edward Onoja posses same in massive abundance as this has shown in his antecedents as a great planner. Proverbs 21:5 says ” the plan of the diligent leads surely to plenty but that of those who are hasty leads to poverty”. Chief Edward Onoja ticks the box of diligence as one of the attributes of a diligent personality is the production of Excellent results. His prowess in this aspect of leadership dates back to the emergence of his Siamese twin as Governor of the state in the first term and the second term running.

A diligent person is one who is faithful in all they do and towards a cause they believe in. Proverbs 28:19 says ” He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough”. Chief Edward Onoja is a faithful servant to Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and also a faithful leader to all believes in his belief. He is an epitome of a charismatic leadership. He remains a symbol of loyalty in the Contemporary Nigeria’s political space. This has never been put to question anywhere.

A diligent person pushes through all forms of obstacles no matter how hard. Proverbs 30:25-26 says ” The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags”. In the face of percieved obvious impossibility when Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello was contesting to become in the Governor of State as (AYB), he was amongst the few who stood firmly to push against all odds. Even when defeat smelt, he still stood till the light at the end of tunnel was location. Through court cases, he stood. Through elitist gang-ups, he stood, through orchestrated falsehood, he stood. Through ethnic blackmail, he has stood firmly and today, he is still standing. The major traits of leadership remains resilence and perseverance.

A diligent person is self motivated. Proverbs 6:6-8 says “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. Chief Edward Onoja stays on top of his work and carries out his responsibilities without his boss constantly cracking the whip! He refuses to procrastinate, instead choosing to fulfill his duties in a timely manner. Just like the ants that Proverbs talks about, he has constantly displayed diligence in the way and manner that has endeared everyone to governance. In the presence or absence of his boss, work has no difference. He is a result oriented leader.

Finally, Diligence can never be cultivated overnight. Diligence is a muscle that is strengthened with time and consistency. Diligence is a dynamic character trait which is a precious treasure worthy of our cultivating. diligence brings about smartness and intelligence, a key factor in the actualization of stated objectives. Chief Edward Onoja is a thorough breed that been sharpened by spark from stones and lightening. He is an inspiration to all that seeks purposeful and selfless leadership.

With such personality, the search for purposeful leadership in kogi state has gained a mileage. He is a leader I seek for our beloved State & Nation in the nearest posible future.