By Kenneth Azahan

There’s a succinct Igbo proverb that says, a chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches.

This ancient wisdom talks directly to the dignity, royalty, charisma and leadership that mother nature bestows on human beings destined to rule the world right from the time of their birth. Whereas in many many societies, kingship, privileges, power and opportunities abound for a select few by virtue of their births, many others  are born for greatness regardless of the circumstances of their births like the Biblical King David.

The emergence of Professor Nantewe Goshwe Yilwatda as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the early hours Thursday, 2024 is not just a cheering news but a strategic decision by the Governors Forum of the APC which was ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC), obviously in line with a divine arrangement to install a ‘chick’ with the inert abilities, potentials and the capacity to salvage the ship of the ruling party from the leadership crisis it has suffered for close to a decade.

As a seasoned academic and bureaucratic with vast administrative and political experience, Prof. Nentawe has a huge task on his equally able shoulders. With the unceremonial resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje and the heightened mobilisation of opposition elements intent on unseating the current administration and hence the APC from government, Nentawe remains a viable politician with the maturity, sheer energy, zeal and charisma to stirr the APC out of its present dilemma and restore credibility to the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

As man known only for dedicated service and people-oriented leadership, Prof Nentawe has proven time and again that he is a distinguished politician who was born to ameliorate the plight of Nigerians wherever an opportunity presents itself. This is consistent with his training as an academic which is centered on teaching, research and community services. Indeed, Prof Nentawe prioritized community services and whatever he embodies today is a reflection of his community driven academic life. No wonder, the APC Governors Forum, NEC and Mr. President unanimously chose him to lead the party despite the very many contenders with their equally intimidating resumes.

As a political neophyte and particularly one with less than four years experience in the political space, no Nigerian would have believed the agile, intelligent and charismatic Engr. from Plateau would be given the exulted office of the National Chairman of the APC. This has however, happened even when he did not particularly indicate an interest  to occupy the position because of his excellent stewardship, hard work, commitment and loyalty to the party and the people he serves.

From his highly impactful and meritorious service as a University lecturer in the then University of Agriculture, Makurdi to his appointment as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State from 2017 to 2021, Prof has left no one in doubt that he’s poised to redefine politics and governance in Nigeria. With no political scandal and any criminal allegations around him, the APC has, after a long time, gotten it right in the choice of a National Chairman.

The silent and proactive interventions he has championed at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction are only a snapshot of his leadership competencies. In his short stint at the Ministry, Prof. has evolved a sustainable  approach to poverty alleviation by prioritizing the empowerment of vulnerable populations through skills development and wealth creation programs. The “Skills-to-Wealth” program which aims to equip Nigerian youth with skills in agriculture, renewable energy, and automobile maintenance is one of his flagships. Currently, the Ministry is collaborating with organizations like the French Development Agency to design social safety nets for the most vulnerable. With a technocrat like Prof. Nentawe who enjoys massive goodwill and appeal, his leadership of the APC is a sure catalyst to a resounding victory for the party come 2027.

Prof. Nentawe who has always worked with and for the people right from his days in the class to his community engagements and now in the political arena is not one to be associated with failure. He has never failed in any of his assignments and the chairmanship of the APC will not be an exception. Even as he’ll soon take a bow and assume the duties of his new office, his legacies will continue to illuminate a pathway for others to emulate in handling humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. He remains a model for Nigerian youths and example to other politicians. Indeed he was born for this and has grown to be exactly what his creator wanted him to be. As he assumes office, we pray for more wisdom to conquer the foes of the party and turn them into partners as well as more accomplishments for him.

Kenneth Azahan, a seasoned journalist and media consultant writes from Abuja.