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The Oracle: Ozekpedia and the Toxicity of Buharocracy (Pt.5)

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2 years ago

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By Mike Ozekhome

Ozekpedia has, in the last four weeks, dealt with “Buharocracy” as a concept of government that is antithetical to democracy and its tenets. The first three trenches were titled: “How Buharocracy put Nigeria in Throes”. The fourth tranche was advisedly titled: “Buharocracy: Know Ye the Concept?”. Today, Ozekpedia rolls out the fifth part which is titled, “Ozekpedia and The Toxicity of Buharocracy”.

For those who have not been following these series, Ozekpedia (2023) is my newly coined neologism modeled after Encyclopedia (1751-1772); Smithsonia (1846); Wikipedia (2001); Scholarpedia (2006); Legalpedia (2007); Europedia (2008) and Osepedia (2021). Ozekpedia has now debuted in 2023.

As promised in our last outing, we shall henceforth “take a peep into some specific instance of the use, misuse and negative impact of Buharocracy, instead of democracy”.

OZEKPEDIA AND THE TOXICITY OF BUHAROCRACY

The behavior of a man becomes his mark in the long run.
Do you really know Buhari? If yes, how much of him? What qualities does he possess? Have you ever heard about the term Buharism? I have now renamed it “Buharocracy”. The latter concept is wider and deeper. I would take you down historical memory lane, albeit briefly, to fathom a one time dictator that bestrode the narrow world of Nigeria like a colossus, while “we petty men walked under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonouurable graves” (Cassius to Btrutus in Julius Caeser, by William Shakespeare, Act I Scene II).

It was Jakande, who first used the term “Buharism”, after his incaseration ordeal. This was what happened. Recall that upon assumption of office as military Head of State, Buhari – then within his thirties – arrested all former public officers and dumped them into military detention. On a certain day in February, 1984, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, the then Chief of Staff and second-in-command to Buhari (the brain box of the Buhari military junta), announced that three (3) Governors of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), had allegedly confessed to receiving monies amounting to #2.8 million from a French Company – Bouygues Nig. Ltd. He hinted that they would be charged before the Special Military Tribunal. This unverified statement of Idiagbon was publicly refuted by Chief Obafemi Awolowo – the then leader of the UPN. Upon trial, Chief Bola Ige of Oyo State, and Adekunle Ajasin of Ondo State, were discharged and acquitted. Olusegun Onabanjo was convicted for alleged knowledge of the donation to the party. It was established that Idiagbon had lied to the nation; but who had the guts or kidney to tell them that they lied to the nation? Moreso at in a time when embarrassment to public officers was made a crime pursuant to Decree No. 4 (Public Officers Protection Decree)?.

It did not simply end there. In a bid to cleanse his party’s name from oozing the mess, Awolowo (ever so strong in principles) published the entire accounts of the party (UPN). He noted that contributions were received by the party; and that the Lagos State Government had contributed 20 million naira. Buhari promptly arrested Lateef Jakande – the Governor- for no reason, other than daring to reveal Lagos’ own contribution. Jakande would have rotted in Buhari’s military gulag into which he was clamped if not for the hand of fate that brought the Buhari dictatorial military regime to an abrupt end. Talk about Deus Ex Machiina. It was when Jakande was released and he addressed the press, that he used the term, – Buharism. “Buharism” – a disastrous ideological mantra based on executive lawlessness, religious fanaticism, high – handedness, ethnic jingoism and sheer ignorance is what I have now turned into “Buharocracy” “Buharocracy” is the art of practising all other “crazies” such as Selectocracy, Judocracy, Electionocracy, Executocracy and legislotocracy. It is a pretentious tendency, clothed with devilish, janus-faced wield of power. It is anchored on anti-democratic practices by a clamorous and vainglorious demagogue. It is a form of government that is shambolic and duplicitous and signposts ignoble show of national ignorance and global failure. The concept is bad for all intents and purposes. Let us take a look at some specific instances.

PRE – 2015 AND THE ECLIPSE OF NATIONAL DISASTER

Before May 29, 2015, Nigeria was governed by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – after his 2011 presidential victory. I would not say Nigeria was at it’s best; but the economy was manageable, fair enough for habitation and good living. It overthrew South Africa as the biggest economy with over $500 billion rebased economy. But, the administration was greeted with rising insecurity and insurgency – especially in the North East- which was believed by close watchers to have been orchestrated by persons that desperately wanted the government to fail at all cost, so as to remove Jonathan from power. The abduction of 276 Chiboks girls by the Boko Haram was the last straw that broke the carmel’s back. It finally sealed the fate of the Jonathan administration. There was therefore the urgent need for an alternative government. The alternative came under the guise of “change”. But, did we know the change?. Did Nigerians care to know? I think not. How I wish Nigerians could foresee the 8 years of Buhari’s disastrous misgovernance of Nigeria. I had warned serially and continually. But, Nigerians, like the Bourbons of European history who learnt nothing and forgot nothing, paid deaf ears to me. Like the Egyptian king Ramesse II. (c. 1279- 1213BC), Nigerians chose to be deaf. By the time they woke up from their cocooned deep slumber, it was too late to ward off a ferocious dictator dressed in the beautiful garb of white babariga and sokoto.

Buhari has, surprisingly, beaten his chest many times, trumpeting his purported achievements.

In his response to Bloomberg’s questions published on June 21, 2022, Buhari said that his administration will be leaving Nigeria “in a far better place than he found it.” Did I hear him well? Is it Nigeria from planets Mars, Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn or Uranus? I do not. Or do you? But one this is clear to me, Behari was certainly not referring to our mother-Earth planet.

He blurted out, narcistically, as usual: “We leave Nigeria in a far better place than we found it. Corruption is less hidden for Nigerians feel empowered to report it without fear, while money is returned; terrorists no longer hold any territory in Nigeria, and their leaders are deceased, and vast infrastructure development sets the country on course for sustainable and equitable growth.” … In the area of corruption, as you are all aware, I am determined to ensure that we do not have a repeat of what has gone on in previous administrations and we have taken a strong stand against pervasive corruption.”

These words of a true posear and an obviously unfulfilled despot, defile the many facts that stare Nigerians in the face. He spoke exactly the opposite of what is on ground. The words also defy scriptural admonitions.

The Holy Bible admonishes, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2 (NIV). Islam’s Imam Ali (A.S) said, “a man who praises himself displays his defiency of intellect.” In the same vein, Imam Malik was more pungent, “verily, when a man starts praising himself, then his honour will leave him.”

There are many reasons why people resort to praising themselves, such as Buhari did and still does:
1.) They lack confidence in their abilities and judgement; as they have a low esteem.

2.) On the other extreme, they may have too much and overblown confidence in their abilities and judgement.

3.) They need compensation over their low esteem through validation and praises from others.

4.) Such persons are arrogant and prideful: have a narcistic personality disorder, with an inflamed sense of self-importance that requires constant admiration, attention and praises.

What could be the reason for Buhari’s vainglorious self – praises? I do not know. Or, do you? Your answer may be good as mine.

To hit the nail on the head of the nuclueos of this discourse, an analysis of the tripodal agenda of the Buhari – led administration in comparison with the pre – 2015 status would help out. But it should be noted that, at the very early stage of his administration, I had pleaded; even admonished him; but all fell on deaf ears. – https://ww.nairaland.com/2416049/buharis-first-30-days-office/1 ; Buhari’s First 30 Days In Office Dismal, Uninspiring – Ozekhome – Politics (2) ; June 30, 2015; “https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/195427-how-others-view-the-present-government-part-2-by-mike-ozekhome.html?tztc=1; How others view the present government (Part 2), By Mike Ozekhome; December 25, 2015”. Some Nigerians – sycophantic Buharists and Buharadeens-had bayed for my patriotic innocent blood. Most later recanted, called me and apologized. Some still do today. Let us take some samples of his performance c.

THE ECONOMIC MELT DOWN THAT WAS BEYOND REPAIRS
During his first term as President, after making three executive orders, the economic environment became more toxic and more unconducive for investors.

Major economic indicators such as unemployment, oil depletion, capital flight, dis-investment, etc, surfaced. I would blaze through the GDP and Inflation rates in the last 8 years.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
The growth of Nigeria’s economy dropped drastically during the fourth quarter of 2015, from 2.84 percent to 2.11 percent; and in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 0.36 percent. In the second quarter of 2016, the economy worsened and a decline of – 2.06 per cent was recorded. Hence, the first ever recession experienced since 25 years’. In the third quarter of 2016, a decline of – 1.3 percent was recorded. The first quarter of 2017 saw the growth of our GDP at – 0.92 per cent, the remaining quarters growth rate were at 0.72, 1.17 and 2.11 respectively.

There was a real economic turn down in 2018. The GDP growth declined and never rose above 2 percent. In 2019, the GDP growth rate was 2.21%, a 0.29 increase from 2018. In 2020, it reduced to -1.79%, a 4% decline from 2019. In 2021, the GDP growth rate was 3.65%, a 5.44% increase from 2020.

Our GDP continued reducing and wallowing in the aqua of uncertainty till Q3 2022 growth rate recorded a decrease by 1.78% points from the 4.03% growth rate recorded in Q3 2021 and decreased by 1.29% points relative to 3.54% in Q2 2022. However, quarter-on-quarter, real GDP grew at 9.68% in Q3 2022, reflecting a higher economic activity in Q3 2022 than the preceding quarter. The World Bank forecasts the Nigerian economy to grow by 2.8 percent in 2023, down from 3.3 percent in 2022. What a pity! Is this how a country grows and develops? Whoever eventually emerges president after the Presidential Election petition hearing is surely going to inherent the abysmal and wanton failure of Buhari, his predecessor. May God help us.

INFLATION
It is the consensus of reports that after Buahri took over as President in 2015, inflation rate rose from 9.0 per cent to 9.2 per cent in June of that year. By November and December, 2015, it was already 9.37 and 9.55, respectively. In 2016, we witnessed our first recession due to decline in oil and non oil businesses. Before the end of 2017, the inflation was measured at an alarming 8.72 per cent.

It was only in 2018, that the country did not record consecutive rise of inflation. However, the year ended with an 11.28 and 11.44 per cent rise within November and December respectively. In 2019, the inflation rate increased in January, through April and May; and then the borders were shut down by the Federal Government under the guise of fighting criminal smugglers. This caused unbearable hardship and suffering to Nigerians. Inflation still rose during the closure. In the wake of 2020, the world was greeted with the unwavering and unsavory effect of the Covid 19 pandemic; shutting down the entire global economic affairs; leading again to another recession. By the middle of 2021, inflation hit about 18.17 per cent.

Inflation continued till 2022, and by November, it hit had 21.47 per cent. By April this year, inflation was 22.22 percent. Thus, the administration recorded the highest inflation at its tail end. Could this be deliberate?. Fellow Nigerians, No be juju be that? I do not know. Or do you?

NIGERIA: A GRUESOME CRIME SCENE UNDER BUHARI
Buhari’s administration inherited the Boko Haram which was then the predominant security challenge in Nigeria. While death from Boko Haram insurgency has reduced drastically, there has been an upsurge of other violent crimes such as armed bandits, violent herdsmen, ransome-taking kidnappers, deadly armed robbers, unknown gun men and other non-state actors, that threaten and challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty and suzerainty.

Before now, we were only afraid to travel through the Northern routes. But today, we are all afraid to travel through the North, South, East and West. This is because, anything can happen, as the roads are quite unsafe. Imagine a country were military officers are kidnapped, military colleges are invaded, a train station is invaded and people kidnapped, without government intervention. Cases of broad day light robbery, amongst others, have been common place.

Between 1st of January and 31st July 2021, at least 279 government institutions were confirmed attacked. The deadly operation of unknown gun men and the discovery of death bodies in the South East is another major challenge. The robbery attack on the office of the Chief of Staff to the President showed that even the presidency was not secure. Sometime in 2021, about 807 students were kidnapped. See my writeup then: “https://saharareporters.com/2021/02/28/807-school-pupils-stolen-under-buhari-hope-nigeria-itself-wont-be-abducted-ozekhome; 807 School Pupils Stolen Under Buhari; Hope Nigeria Itself Won’t Be Abducted? – Ozekhome; February 28, 2021”.

Buhari was that President that never knew what was going on in his government. He denied knowledge of almost anything and everything. Some Nigerians started thinking he was deaf because, he was always missing in action. See my intervention: “https://thenigerialawyer.com/insecurity-president-buhari-missing-in-action-his-capacity-has-been-tested-ozekhome-san/; Insecurity: President Buhari Missing In Action, His Capacity Has Been Tested — Ozekhome, SAN; April 28, 2021. Methinks he was sleeping, so I called for his wake. – https://thisnigeria.com/wake-up-president-buhari-from-his-deep-slumber-self-denial-ozekhome/; Wake up President Buhari from his deep slumber, self-denial – Ozekhome 29th April, 2021”. The Universities were no longer safe for Nigerian students; coupled with neglect of settling the long-drawn strike issue between the FG and ASUU. Armed banditry and kidnapping became the order of the day. See “https://nigeriannewsdirect.com/nigerian-universities-kidnapping-and-banditry/; Nigerian universities, kidnapping and banditry; December 10, 2021”. School children were kidnapped from Universities; and their parents were forced by kidnappers to purchase for the sustenance of their children for the purpose of ransome, bags of rice; beans; millet; tomatoes; tarodo; palm oil; pepper; vegetable oil; salt; sugar; onions; vegetable; and even magi cubes and locust beans. Nigerians never had it so bad.

The Nigerian Security Tracker of the Council for Foreign Relations reported that, 63, 111 Nigerians were killed since the Buhari administration took off: 27,311 during first term; and 35,800 during the second term. Yet, this was an administration that spent up to eight trillion naira (N8tn) in the last eight years on defence budget alone. From further conservative report by the press, at least 21 people were killed every day during Buahri’s 2,555 days in office!

In 2019, Nigeria was ranked 3rd below Afghanistan and Iraq out of 138 countries in the Global Terrorism Index. Again, Nigeria was ranked the 14th most fragile country in the world and the 9th in Africa, according to the Fragile States Index. That same year, Nigeria also ranked 148th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, far below former war-ravaged countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda. Thus, the citizens clamoured for the removal of the Service Chiefs due to zero performance after so many setbacks, uncertainties, deaths, mayhem, arson etc. Nigeria under Buhari was simply a grisly crime scene. Period.

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Opinion

Rebuilding the Pillars: A Comprehensive Blueprint for Overcoming Nigeria’s Leadership Deficit

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5 days ago

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December 13, 2025

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By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

Systemic governance reform as the critical foundation for unlocking sustainable development and restoring national promise. “Nations are not built on resources, but on systems. Nigeria’s future rests not on changing leaders, but on transforming the very structures that create them” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

Introduction: The Leadership Imperative

Nigeria, often described as the “Giant of Africa,” stands at a pivotal moment in its historical trajectory. Possessing unparalleled human capital, vast natural resources, and a dynamic, youthful population, the nation’s potential remains paradoxically constrained by deeply embedded structural deficiencies within its leadership architecture. These systemic flaws—evident across political, corporate, and civic institutions—have created profound cracks that undermine public trust, stifle economic innovation, and impede the delivery of fundamental social goods. This leadership deficit is not merely a political inconvenience; it is the central bottleneck to national progress.

Addressing this challenge requires moving beyond cyclical criticism of individuals and towards a deliberate, strategic reconstruction of the systems that produce, empower, and hold leaders accountable. This blog post presents a holistic, actionable blueprint designed to seal these cracks permanently. It offers a pathway to cultivate a leadership ecosystem that is transparent, accountable, performance-driven, and ethically grounded, thereby delivering tangible possibilities for Nigeria’s people, empowering its corporate sector, and restoring its stature on the global stage.

Section 1: Diagnosing the Structural Cracks—A Multilayered Analysis

A precise diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Nigeria’s leadership challenges are multifaceted and mutually reinforcing, stemming from three core structural failures.

1. The Governance Architecture Failure

The current system suffers from a fundamental contradiction: a hyper-centralized federal model that stifles local innovation and accountability. Critical institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and the civil service, frequently operate with compromised autonomy, inadequate technical capacity, and vulnerability to political interference. Furthermore, the intended checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches have weakened, creating avenues for impunity and concentrated power that deviate from democratic principles.

2. The Leadership Pipeline Collapse

The mechanisms for recruiting and developing leaders are fundamentally broken. Political party structures too often prioritize patronage, loyalty, and financial muscle over competence, vision, and ethical fortitude. There exists no systematic, nationwide program for identifying, nurturing, and mentoring successive generations of public servants. This results in a recurring leadership vacuum and a deficiency of cognitive diversity at decision-making tables, limiting the range of solutions for national challenges.

3. The Integrity Infrastructure Erosion

Perhaps the most damaging crack is the erosion of public trust, fueled by opacity and impunity. Decision-making processes and public resource allocations are frequently shrouded in secrecy, while accountability mechanisms are rendered ineffective. The consistent weakness in enforcing ethical codes across sectors has allowed a culture of corruption to persist, which acts as a regressive tax on development, scuttles investor confidence, and demoralizes the citizenry.

Section 2: A Tripartite Framework for Sustainable Transformation

Lasting reform necessitates concurrent, mutually reinforcing interventions across three interconnected pillars.

Pillar I: Constitutional and Institutional Reformation

Implementing True Cooperative Federalism: It is imperative to undertake a constitutional review that clearly delineates responsibilities and revenue-generating authorities among federal, state, and local governments. This empowers subnational entities to become laboratories of development, tailored to local contexts, while fostering healthy competition in providing public services. Fiscal autonomy must be matched with enhanced capacity-building initiatives at the state and local government levels.

Fortifying Independent Institutions: Key democratic institutions require constitutional protection from executive and legislative overreach. This includes guaranteeing transparent, first-line funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and establishing rigorous, meritocratic panels for appointing their leadership. Strengthening bodies like the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Public Complaints Commission is equally vital.

Professionalizing the Political Space: Electoral reform must introduce systems like ranked-choice voting to encourage more issue-based, inclusive campaigning. Legislation should mandate demonstrable internal democracy within political parties, including transparent primaries and audited financial disclosures, to reduce the capture of parties by narrow interests.

Pillar II: Cultivating a Leadership Development Ecosystem

Establishing a Premier National School of Governance (NSG): Modeled on institutions like the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, a Nigerian NSG would serve as the apex institution for executive leadership training. Attendance for all senior civil servants, political appointees, and legislators should be mandatory, with curricula focused on strategic public administration, ethical leadership, complex project management, and national policy analysis.

Catalyzing a Corporate Governance Revolution: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) must enforce stricter codes requiring diverse, independent, and technically competent boards. The private sector should be incentivized—through tax credits or preferential procurement status—to establish leadership fellowship programs that place high-potential private-sector executives into public sector roles for fixed terms, fostering cross-pollination of skills and perspectives.

Instituting a Presidential Leadership Fellowship (PLF): This highly selective, merit-based program would identify Nigeria’s most promising young talents (aged 25-35) from all fields—technology, agriculture, law, the arts—and place them in intensive two-year rotations across critical government agencies, private sector giants, and civil society organizations. This creates a nurtured cohort of future leaders with a national network and a deep understanding of systemic interconnections.

Pillar III: Architecting Robust Accountability & Performance Systems

Deploying a Digital Transparency Platform: A mandatory, open-access National Integrated Governance Portal (NIGP) should display in real-time the status, budget, and contractor details of every major public project. Strategic use of blockchain technology can create immutable records for procurement contracts and resource distribution, significantly reducing opportunities for diversion.

Empowering Oversight and Consequence: Anti-corruption agencies require not only independence but also enhanced forensic capacity and international collaboration. Performance tracking must extend to the judiciary and legislature; publishing annual scorecards on case clearance rates, legislative productivity, and constituency impact can drive public accountability.

Embedding a Culture of Results: All government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) must operate under a National Key Results Framework (NKRF). This performance contract system would define clear, measurable quarterly deliverables tied to national development plans. Autonomy and discretionary funding should be increased for MDAs that consistently meet targets, while underperformance triggers mandatory restructuring and leadership review.

Section 3: The Indispensable Cultural Reorientation

Technocratic fixes will fail without a parallel cultural shift that venerates service and integrity.

Embedding Ethics from Foundation: A redesigned national curriculum, from primary through tertiary education, must integrate civic ethics, critical thinking, and Nigeria’s constitutional history to build an informed citizenry that values good governance.

Launching a “Service Nation” Campaign: A sustained, multi-platform national campaign, developed in partnership with respected cultural, religious, and traditional institutions, should celebrate role models of ethical leadership and reframe public service as the nation’s highest calling.

Enacting Ironclad Whistleblower Protections: Comprehensive legislation must be passed to protect whistleblowers from all forms of retaliation, including provisions for anonymous reporting, physical protection, and financial rewards, aligning with global best practices to encourage exposure of malfeasance.

 

Section 4: A Practical, Phased Implementation Roadmap (2025-2035)

Phase 1: The Foundation Phase (Years 1-3)

Convene a National Constitutional Dialogue involving all tiers of government, civil society, and professional bodies.

·      Establish the Nigerian School of Governance (NSG) and inaugurate the first cohort of the Presidential Leadership Fellowship (PLF).

·      Pilot the National Integrated Governance Portal (NIGP) in the Ministries of Health, Education, and Works.

Phase 2: The Integration & Scaling Phase (Years 4-7)

·      Enact and begin implementation of the new constitutional framework on fiscal federalism.

·      Graduate the first NSG cohorts and embed training as a prerequisite for promotions.

·      Roll out the NKRF performance contracts across all federal MDAs and willing pilot states.

Phase 3: The Consolidation & Maturation Phase (Years 8-12)

·      Conduct a comprehensive national review, assessing improvements in governance indices, citizen trust metrics, and economic competitiveness.

·      Establish Nigeria as a regional hub for leadership training, offering NSG programmes to other African nations.

·      Institutionalize a self-sustaining cycle where performance culture and ethical leadership are the unquestioned norms.

Conclusion: Forging a New Path of Leadership

The task of sealing the cracks in Nigeria’s leadership foundation is undeniably monumental, yet it is the most critical work of this generation. It demands a departure from transactional politics and short-term thinking toward a covenant of nation-building. The integrated blueprint outlined here—combining institutional redesign, leadership cultivation, technological accountability, and cultural renewal—provides a viable pathway.

This is not a call for perfection, but for systematic progress. By committing to this journey, Nigeria can transform its governance from its greatest liability into its most powerful asset. The outcome will be a nation where trust is restored, innovation flourishes, and every citizen has a fair opportunity to thrive. The resources, the intellect, and the spirit exist within Nigeria; it is now a matter of courageously building the structures to set them free.

Dr. Tolulope Adeseye Adegoke is a distinguished scholar-practitioner specializing in the intersection of African security, governance, and strategic leadership. His expertise is built on a robust academic foundation—with a PhD, MA, and BA in History and International Studies focused on West African conflicts, terrorism, and regional diplomacy—complemented by high-level professional credentials as a Distinguished Fellow Certified Management Consultant and a Fellow Certified Human Resource Management Professional.

A recognized thought leader, he is a Distinguished Ambassador for World Peace (AMBP-UN) and has been honoured with the African Leadership Par Excellence Award (2024) and the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), alongside inclusion in the prestigious national compendium “Nigeria @65: Leaders of Distinction.”

Dr. Adegoke’s unique value lies in synthesizing deep historical analysis with practical management frameworks to diagnose systemic institutional failures and design actionable reforms. His work is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, and sustainable nation-building in Africa and the globe. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com  & globalstageimpacts@gmail.com

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Opinion

How Dr. Fatima Ibrahim Hamza (PT, mNSP) Became Kano’s Healthcare Star and a Model for African Women in Leadership

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2 weeks ago

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December 6, 2025

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

My dear country men and women, over the years, I have been opportune to watch numerous speeches delivered by outstanding women shaping the global health sector especially those within Africa. Back home, I have also listened to towering figures like Dr. Hadiza Galadanci, the renowned O&G consultant whose passion for healthcare reform continues to inspire many. Even more closer home, there is Dr. Fatima Ibrahim Hamza, my classmate and colleague. Anyone who knew her from the beginning would remember a hardworking young woman who left no stone unturned in her pursuit of excellence. Today, she stands tall as one of the most powerful illustrations of what African women in leadership can achieve when brilliance, discipline, and integrity are brought together.

Before I dwell into the main business for this week, let me make this serious confession. If you are a regular traveler within Nigeria like myself, especially in the last two years, you will agree that no state currently matches Kano in healthcare delivery and institutional sophistication. This transformation is not accidental. It is the result of a coordinated, disciplined, and visionary ecosystem of leadership enabled by Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf. From the strategic drive of the Hospitals Management Board under the meticulous leadership of Dr. Mansur Nagoda, to the policy direction and oversight provided by the Ministry of Health led by the ever committed Dr. Abubakar Labaran, and the groundbreaking reforms championed by the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board under the highly cerebral Professor Salisu Ahmed Ibrahim, the former Private Health Institution Management Agency (PHIMA) boss, a man who embodies competence, hard work, honesty, and principle, the progress of Kano’s health sector becomes easy to understand. With such a strong leadership backbone, it is no surprise that individuals like Dr. Fatima Ibrahim Hamza is thriving and redefining what effective healthcare leadership looks like in Nigeria.

Across the world, from top medical institutions to global leadership arenas, one truth echoes unmistakably: when women lead with vision, systems transform. Their leadership is rarely about theatrics or force; it is about empathy, innovation, discipline, and a capacity to drive change from the inside out. Kano State has, in recent years, witnessed this truth firsthand through the extraordinary work of Dr. Fatima at Sheikh Muhammad Jidda General Hospital.

In less than 2 years, Dr. Fatima has emerged as a phenomenon within Kano’s healthcare landscape. As the youngest hospital director in the state, she has demonstrated a style of leadership that mirrors the excellence seen in celebrated female leaders worldwide, women who inspire not by occupying space, but by redefining it. Her performance has earned her two high level commendations. First, a recognition by the Head of Service following a rigorous independent assessment of her achievements, and more recently, a formal commendation letter from the Hospitals Management Board acknowledging her professionalism, discipline, and transformative impact.

These acknowledgements are far more than administrative gestures, they place her in the company of women leaders whose influence reshaped nations: New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern with her empathy driven governance, Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf with her courageous reforms, and Germany’s Angela Merkel with her disciplined, steady leadership. Dr. Fatima belongs to this esteemed lineage of women who do not wait for change, they create it.

What sets her apart is her ability to merge vision with structure, compassion with competence, and humility with bold ambition. Staff members describe her as firm yet accessible, warm yet uncompromising on standards, traits that embody the modern leadership model the world is steadily embracing. Under her stewardship, Sheikh Jidda General Hospital has transformed from a routine public facility into an institution of possibility, demonstrating what happens when a capable woman is given the opportunity to lead without constraint.

The recent commendation letter from the Hospitals Management Board captures this evolution clearly: “Dr. Fatima has strengthened administrative coordination, improved patient care, elevated professional standards, and fostered a hospital environment where excellence has become the norm rather than the exception”. These outcomes are remarkable in a system that often battles bureaucratic bottlenecks and infrastructural limitations. Her work is proof that effective leadership especially in health must be visionary, intentional, and rooted in integrity.

In a period when global discourse places increasing emphasis on the importance of women in leadership particularly in healthcare, Dr. Fatima stands as a living testament to what is possible. She has demonstrated that leadership is never about gender, but capacity, clarity of purpose, and the willingness to serve with unwavering commitment.

Her rise sends a powerful message to young girls across Nigeria and Africa: that excellence has no gender boundaries. It is a call to institutions to trust and empower competent women. And it is a reminder to society that progress accelerates when leadership is guided by competence rather than stereotypes.

As Kano continues its journey toward comprehensive healthcare reform, Dr. Fatima represents a new chapter, one where leadership is defined not by age or gender, but by impact, innovation, and measurable progress. She is, without question, one of the most compelling examples of modern African women in leadership today.

May her story continue to enlighten, inspire, and redefine what African women can, and will achieve when given the opportunity to lead.

Dr. Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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Opinion

Book Review: Against the Odds by Dozy Mmobuosi

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2 weeks ago

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December 4, 2025

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By Sola Ojewusi

Against the Odds is an ambitious, deeply personal, and unflinchingly honest memoir that traces the remarkable rise of Dozy Mmobuosi, one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and controversial entrepreneurs. In this sweeping narrative, Mmobuosi reveals not just the public milestones of his career, but the intimate struggles, internal battles, and defining moments that shaped his identity and worldview.

The book is both a personal testimony and a broader commentary on leadership, innovation, and Africa’s future—and it succeeds in balancing these worlds with surprising emotional clarity.

A Candid Portrait of Beginnings

Mmobuosi’s story begins in the bustling, unpredictable ecosystem of Lagos, where early challenges served as the furnace that forged his ambitions. The memoir details the circumstances of his upbringing, the value systems passed down from family, and the early encounters that sparked his desire to build solutions at scale.

These foundational chapters do important work: they humanize the protagonist. Readers meet a young Dozy not as a business figurehead, but as a Nigerian navigating complex social, financial, and personal realities—realities that millions of Africans will find familiar.

The Making of an Entrepreneur

As the narrative progresses, the memoir transitions into the defining phase of Mmobuosi’s business evolution. Here, he walks readers through the origins of his earliest ventures and the relentless curiosity that led him to operate across multiple industries—fintech, agri-tech, telecoms, AI, healthcare, consumer goods, and beyond.

What is striking is the pattern of calculated risk-taking. Mmobuosi positions himself as someone unafraid to venture into uncharted territory, even when the cost of failure is steep. His explanations offer readers valuable insights into:
• market intuition
• the psychology of entrepreneurship
• the sacrifices required to build at scale
• the emotional and operational toll of high-growth ventures

These passages make the book not only readable but instructive—especially for emerging

African entrepreneurs.

Triumphs, Crises, and Public Scrutiny
One of the book’s most compelling strengths is its willingness to confront controversy head-on.

Mmobuosi addresses periods of intense scrutiny, institutional pressure, and personal trials.

Instead of glossing over these chapters, he uses them to illustrate the complexities of building businesses in emerging markets and navigating public perception.

The tone is reflective rather than defensive, inviting readers to consider the thin line between innovation and misunderstanding in environments where the rules are still being written.

This vulnerability is where the memoir finds its emotional resonance.

A Vision for Africa

Beyond personal history, Against the Odds expands into a passionate manifesto for African transformation. Mmobuosi articulates a vision of a continent whose young population, natural resources, and intellectual capital position it not as a follower, but a potential leader in global innovation.

He challenges outdated narratives about Africa’s dependency, instead advocating for
homegrown technology, supply chain sovereignty, inclusive economic systems, and investment in human capital.

For development strategists, policymakers, and visionaries, these sections elevate the work from memoir to thought leadership.

The Writing: Accessible, Engaging, and Purposeful

Stylistically, the memoir is direct and approachable. Mmobuosi writes with clarity and intention, blending storytelling with reflection in a way that keeps the momentum steady. The pacing is effective: the book moves seamlessly from personal anecdotes to business lessons, from introspection to bold declarations.

Despite its business-heavy subject matter, the prose remains accessible to everyday readers.

The emotional honesty, in particular, will appeal to those who appreciate memoirs that feel lived rather than curated.

Why This Book Matters

Against the Odds arrives at a critical moment for Africa’s socioeconomic trajectory. As global attention shifts toward African innovation, the need for authentic narratives from those building within the system becomes essential.

Mmobuosi’s memoir offers:
• a case study in resilience
• an insider’s perspective on entrepreneurship in frontier markets
• a meditation on reputation, legacy, and leadership
• a rallying cry for African ambition

For readers like Sola Ojewusi, whose work intersects with media, policy, leadership, and social development, this book offers profound insight into the human stories driving Africa’s new generation of builders.

Final Verdict

Against the Odds is more than a success story—it is a layered, introspective, and timely work that captures the pressures and possibilities of modern African enterprise. It challenges stereotypes, raises important questions about leadership and impact, and ultimately delivers a narrative of persistence that audiences across the world will find relatable.

It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of African innovation, the personal realities behind public leadership, and the enduring power of vision and resilience

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