Update

Ephraim Inyang-eyen: Servant-Leader Par Excellence

Iniubong ANAKO

It is often reasoned that opportunities, circumstances, exploits, challenges, happenstances and other factors determine the success or failure of any given leadership.

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It is also reasoned that the solutions to leadership demands lie deep within the knowledge base and capacity of those entrusted to lead in service.
This school of thought is in line with the fact that gifted leaders don’t just do lead per se; they serve and invariably achieve feats labelled as leadership antecedents.
A peep into the profile of Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen, the Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel, reveals that his personage fit into the aforementioned template.

One cannot but agree that he has earned respect through his vision, doggedness, courage and wisdom. Philanthropy is another area where he has left indelible imprints.
His background in the security service must have shaped him into the upright and no-nonsense character he has become. One of the most telling demonstrations of his leadership abilities comes at challenging times when there is a scarcity of brave men to make things work.

When the Udom Emmanuel administration ends in 2023, one of the popular figures whose antecedents would be reviewed and applauded is Inyangeyen.

From his early days as Works Commissioner, till now that he is occupying the office of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Akparawa Inyangeyen has demonstrated zest which deserves a cursory perusal for the sake of emulation.

As Works Commissioner, he ensured the workability of the current administration through execution of developmental projects which would definitely stand the test of time.
To ensure strict adherence to best standards and practices, he personally monitored the award, execution and even payment for government projects and contracts. And to ensure that the projects are executed according to specification, he was always on ground with the contractors at project site.
The energy and dedication, things worth admiring.

At places where some bottlenecks existed, he ensured that proper mediation and negotiation is done to ensure smooth progress of projects.
Compensations were duly paid to communities and owners of demolished structures to facilitate quick completion of projects.

Furthermore, in order to be abreast with the needs and challenges faced by contractors in his Ministry, Mr. Inyang-Eyen holds regular meetings with them to brainstorm on how best to deliver their jobs.

Words alone cannot vividly describe every tinge of his antecedent in the ministry, but it is worth stating that his achievements earned him a record two-term stint in that office.

His reliability and effectiveness duly acknowledged by all in main the Governor, who later appointed him as his Chief of Staff.
The job description of a Chief of Staff entails being the principal staff officer who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide-de-camp to an important individual, such as a president, or a senior military officer, or leader of a large organization.

To further put it into context, Wikipedia explains that “a chief of staff provides a buffer between a chief executive and that executive’s direct-reporting team. The chief of staff generally works behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes, and deal with issues before they are brought to the chief executive. Often chiefs of staff act as a confidant and advisor to the chief executive, acting as a sounding board for ideas. Ultimately the actual duties depend on the position and the people involved.” And Ephraim Inyang-eyen has not disappointed his admirers in that role. His admirable synergy with the Governor quite a case study in political administration.

Inyangeyen has consistently exhibited servant-leadership at the forefront, assessing situations, evaluating options, and encouraging effectiveness in government and polity.

Although traits are quite developed for natural leadership, certain individuals are, without doubt, born natural leaders. He falls in the latter category. Balancing on his self-assurance and privileged position as a key player in the state, he stands tall in the scheme of things.

Couching his exploits with philanthropy catapults him to greater heights.
During his recent birthday celebration, November 25, 2021 precisely, Ephraim turned it to an avenue of being a blessing to others. He stopped over at Ikot Abasi General Hospital and cleared patients’ hospital bills and gave them transport to return home, visited Children of God’s Liberty Home, Oron where he donated provisions, food items, toiletries and cash gifts.

The servant leader then proceeded to Nations Children’s Center, Akpanawan Street, Eket, donated provisions, food items, toiletries, and cash gifts, adopted two children and gave them scholarships to tertiary education. And rounded up the birthday visitation tour in his hometown as he stormed Motherless Baby Home, Mkpok Onna, where he alongside the wife, Mrs Ime adopted a baby boy, donated provisions, food items, toiletries, and cash gifts to the children.

The Onna firebrand politician gave full scholarship to Miss Comfort, a 400 level Chemical Engineering student of Akwa Ibom State University, the Student Union’s Vice President, before rounding off the day by donating cars to his traditional rulers, Clan Head of Onion, Etebom Barr Samuel Efik and Village Head of Ikot Ebiere Onna LGA., Eteidung Maxwell Ekpoisia,
That is vintage Ephraim Inyangeyen.

Despite these, his strict nature often draw the criticisms and attacks from those who cannot stand his bluntness.
The expression that says as leaders, we prove our capacity when we gain the ability to focus despite distractions, luckily, is not lost on Inyangeyen. Distraction seems to have become a standard but one that natural born leaders are fortunate to be well equipped to duck. He does not allow trivialities to become urgencies in his affairs.

It is obvious the journey has not been easy for him but he has so far shown a lot of good qualities of an effective servant-leader in the presence of encumbrances, which crowns the success being recorded by him on every front.

IniubongAbasi ANAKO is a Public/Political Affairs Analyst, writes from Iman Ibom