By Apostle Emmanuel Eduongo, FCLMI
It is an honour to stand before you today to speak on a theme that resonates deeply with the essence of leadership: Leading with Passion: Building a Legacy that Transcends Generations. Leadership is more than the attainment of positions or the accumulation of power; it is about leaving an indelible mark, a legacy that inspires and empowers those who come after us.
Let us begin by exploring what it truly means to lead with passion and build a legacy that endures.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LEAD WITH PASSION?
Passion is the driving force that transforms a vision into reality. Leaders who operate with passion inspire commitment, foster creativity, and build resilience within their teams. Passionate leadership is not simply enthusiasm; it is sustained dedication to a cause larger than oneself. It creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to bring their best selves to the table.
WHAT IS LEGACY
Generally, a legacy is something handed down from the past. It can refer to anything left behind by a person, group, or culture, such as traditions, values, or contributions. It also refers to the impact or contributions of an individual that continue to influence others after they’re gone, such as their achievements, values, or relationships
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING A TRANSCENDENT LEGACY
A legacy is what remains when your leadership journey concludes. A transcendent legacy is one that lives beyond the immediate impact of your actions, creating frameworks, values, and systems that outlast you. Such a legacy is grounded in service, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous growth.
CASE STUDY OF PASSIONATE LEADERS
One of the most profound examples of leading with passion and building a generational legacy is the shining examples of the former Governors of Akwa Ibom State: Their Excellencies, Obong Akpan Isemin, Arc. Victor Attah, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Mr. Udom Emmauel.
- Obong Akpan Isemin when he came on muted the philosophy of mind-set orientation, the Structural Mental Adjustment Programme. The idea was to change the mindset of those he was leading to align with his passion and vision that would bring generational impact.
- Arc. Obong Victor Attah, we are told was the one who drew the Masterplan of Akwa Ibom State. When opportunity beckoned on him to come and translate his vision for the State, he adopted the ideals of inclusivity in governance saying ‘COME LET US BUILD TOGETHER.’
- Senator Godswill Akpabio on his part as one who was driven by passion to serve his people, when he came onboard, was inspired by mindset orientation and big picture concept of his predecessors, and thus adopted the transformational leadership style that resulted in a quantum leap in his era and beyond.
- Mr. Udom Emmauel as Governor operated on the policy of CONSOLIDATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT which also projected him as one of the leaders with passion for legacy.
Fast forward, the policies of the above leaders became a driving force to them. Their success story, which are seen in the numerous physical, economical and socio-political developments in the State could further be defined in the context of the following:
1. VISION ROOTED IN PASSION:
The above-named leaders were guided by the vision of building a State that would compete favourably with its counterparts anywhere in the world. Their unwavering commitment to their vision has tantamounted to uncommon and sustainable development in the State. Obong Attah’s untiring contributions to the development of the State and the Niger – Delta region, through the resource control struggle to emancipate the region from undue marginalization paved the way for the abrogation of the obnoxious onshore – offshore dichotomy, thus qualifying the Niger Delta States for the 13 % derivation funds.
His legacy projects include: International Airport, Ibom Power Plant, Le’ Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort.
From the mind-set re-orientation of Obong Akpan Isemin, Gov. Godswill Akpabio was well guided to launch the State into an era of uncommon transformation, thereby shooting the state to global limelight. The Victor Attah Int’l Airport initiated by Obong Attah was developed and put to use during his administration while the Godswill Akpabio Stadium stands as a signature project that has made Akwa Ibom the toast of the international community in the sports world.
The Ibom Air, as long as it will continue to be sustained will continue to remain a legacy of Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s passionate leadership.
Aside developmental projects, the eras of the aforementioned leaders saw to identifying the development of human capital, talents and professionalism among the citizenry, majority of whom are today very useful the State, nation and the international community in various ways bringing accolades to the State.
Sadly, we still have noted legacy projects like the science park and Ibom Deep Seaport initiated them that are still waiting for attention by the present or future administrations.
2. RESILIENCE AND SACRIFICE:
The about 25 years of their individual tour of duty speaks volume of their resilience and brought about the needed change and transformation; their resilience taught the world that enduring change requires both time and personal sacrifice.
3. LEGACY OF FOCUS:
Upon mounting the saddle as Governors, their decision focused on developing policy thrust that would serve as actionable work plan, demonstrating that legacy is built on actions that prioritize the collective good over personal gain.
HOW TO BUILD A LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS GENERATIONS
Drawing from aforementioned leaders’ example and countless other leaders who have left lasting legacies, here are five actionable steps for building your own enduring impact:
- Define Your Purpose:
Identify your “why.” Purpose-driven leadership is the cornerstone of a legacy that inspires others. - Lead with Integrity:
Consistent alignment between your words and actions builds trust, the bedrock of any enduring legacy. - Empower Others:
Focus on lifting others up. A legacy is not about individual achievement but the collective growth you inspire. - Adapt and Innovate:
Embrace change and encourage others to think creatively. Legacies are built on solving today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s uncertainties. - Document and Share Your Journey:
Share your story, principles, and insights to guide future generations. Writing books, mentoring, and developing frameworks ensure your legacy transcends you.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
As we navigate our individual leadership journeys, let us remember that true success is not measured by accolades or titles but by the lives we touch and the futures we shape. Leading with passion means committing to a vision that outlasts us, and building a legacy requires us to invest in the growth and well-being of others.
As I conclude this keynote presentation, let me leave you with this challenge: Ask yourself every day, what am I doing today that will inspire and empower those who come after me?
Let us rise from this conference with the collective resolve to lead with passion and build legacies that not only endure but inspire. Thank you.
BEING A KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DURING THE 2024 ICLM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE HELD ON DECEMBER 5, 2024 @ URANUS HOTEL, UYO