A former Minister of State for Power, Goody Jedy-Agba, has offered a deeply personal reflection on leadership, discipline and resilience in his newly released memoir, Grace Unspeakable, using his life story to interrogate Nigeria’s moral and governance challenges.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during an exclusive signing of the book, Jedy-Agba framed his experiences in public service and private life as lessons for a country he believes is grappling more with indiscipline than corruption.

“Our problem in Nigeria is not corruption. Our problem is indiscipline,” he said, arguing that discipline in the management of public resources would significantly curb corrupt practices.

“If you are disciplined enough to know that you should not tamper with public funds, you will not tamper with public funds. If you are given money to do something, do that thing,” he added.

The memoir, which traces his journey from a modest upbringing to the corridors of power, dwells on the values that shaped his outlook—hard work, integrity and mentorship. 

Jedy-Agba credits his early life in a peasant community, as well as the guidance of mentors, for instilling the principles that later defined his approach to leadership.

“I came from a peasant community. My parents and my community taught me that if you work hard, you will reap the reward. Those lessons moulded me.”

Beyond public office, Grace Unspeakable explores the unpredictability of life and the resilience required to navigate it. 

He described life as “a pilgrimage” marked by moments of joy, hardship and learning.

He said: “Life is not measured by the certainty of our plans but by our resilience when fate interrupts them. Every interruption is a lesson that should make us emerge stronger and more determined to fulfil our purpose.

“Life is a journey. It is like a pilgrimage. In every journey there are jokes, banters, stories and experiences; good, bad and ugly. I have had so many experiences in life and I felt the best thing to do was to give back by sharing them so others can learn.”

Jedy-Agba described wisdom as a priceless asset that shapes character and leadership saying, “Wisdom is a gift from above. If you have wisdom, it is an asset beyond quantification. It makes you brilliant, exposed and God-fearing.

Recounting a near-death experience that almost led to the amputation of his arm, he said faith, courage and the decision to seek a second medical opinion saved him.

“When I got to the hospital, the doctor said he was going to amputate my arm. I was 56 years old then and it would have affected me psychologically.

“When I later sought treatment in Germany, I realised the importance of having a second opinion and having the fighting spirit. If I didn’t have that determination, I would have lost my arm.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the memoir came at a time when the country needed strong moral direction.

He said, “This is what Nigeria requires at this point in time when our moral compass is neither here nor there and people see wealth and glamour as the ultimate goal.”

Hadejia praised Jedy-Agba for maintaining integrity throughout his career in public office saying, “When you see someone who had all the opportunities in high office but maintained his decorum and focused on service, that is something that should be celebrated.”

Hadejia added that the book would serve as an important guide for younger Nigerians, even as he added that one of the most inspiring qualities of the author was his humility and ability to remember his roots.

“I think his life and his book will be a good reference point for young people to know that you can still give your best without being corrupt or irresponsible.

“One common thread about people like Jedy-Agba is that they never forget where they came from, and they always remember that life and positions are temporary.”