Spotlight on the Exceptional Leader Called Tammy Danagogo

Allison Abanum highlights the sterling qualities and rising profile of Dr. Tammy Danagogo

Sports, to some is just entertainment. To others, a channel to let out passion. One thing that athletes and indeed every sports person have in common is the desire to get the job done. Every victory feels different and better. A nexus can be drawn between the supreme athlete and an impactful leader. Both share a responsibility of satisfying the passion, wants and expectations of thier followers.

Much has been spoken about the various leadership qualities and mindset a public servant should adopt, but sadly many fall short of this expectations leaving much to be desired from those at the helm of governance.

Of course, a select few dare to stand out, boasting an impressive public service career and leaving in their wake a spate of notable achievments that only makes louder the clamour for more of the same. Dr. Tamunobaabo Wenike Danagogo, the current Secretary to State Goveenment (SSG) of Rivers State is surely one of such select few. Often times, much is heard about the show boating politicians, a rather empty noise and showmanship but perusing under the radar are these select few that diligently shoulder the responsibility of building the society and doing justice to whatever mandate is placed on them either by electoral process or merit appointment.

“Under the radar” isn’t an expression that suits Danagogo, as he has paid his dues and contributed in no small measure to the development of Rivers state and the Nigeria, at large. That inate desire to get the job done has been visible in his relatively successful political journey thus far. He came into the political scene in 2004 as the Chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State. A couple of successful stints as Commissioner of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs ensued under former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and then as Commissioner for Urban Development.

Danagogo’s most Impactful stint in the corridors of public service perhaps is his current position as SSG where he serves as a core member of the engine room that has driven so much success in Rivers state. Perhaps such tag can also be placed on his time as a Minister of Sports and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission in 2014 during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Testimonies of his visionary leadership in the sports sector abound and the development experienced in that sector was nothing short of revolutionary.

A seasoned lawyer by academic training, much remains to be tapped from this gem silently but very clearly and effectively greasing the wheels of the locomotive of transformation in Rivers State. His impact might be lost on the uninterested mind but very well registered in that of those currently aboard the ship of governance in the state. This fact should ring aloud the clamour to sort of unearth this rare gem and entrust him with a more viable platform to do what he knows how to do best, getting the job done.

Who is in a better position to consolidate on the impressive work in Rivers than the SSG. One would assume that at the completion of his time in the current office, enough expertise would have be gathered to add to an already existing pool of experience galvanised by a solemn commitment to growth and development inherent in the man himself. Key stakeholders in the political atmosphere of Rivers State should do well to leverage on the capabilities he has displayed in the past firstly on a personal level and then ultimately as an impactful leader.

Leadership is the capacity to transform vision into reality. Danagogo’s time as Sports Minister heralded a new dawn in sports administration in the country. Progress was seen across board not just in house hold sports like football. Grassroots sports development attained new heights and youth development through sports flourished. This “No one is inferior” mentality will come in handy when he finds himself in higher capacity, like spear heading the affairs of Rivers State. The populace can rest in the knowing that in Danagogo, they have a man that seems to never want to leave any stone unturned in the quest for a better result.

Boasting a calm demeanor that anchors a fierce desire for impact, Danagogo has shown himself as an advocate for excellence, merit and diligent service delivery. As the current SSG in Rivers state, he is definitely central to majority of the success stories of the current administration. A vital part of Nigeria’s economy, the affairs of Rivers State should be placed on the shoulder of someone that is result oriented and favours what it takes to get the job done.

It is in building relationships and collective effort that real and lasting development is acheived. As in all states, in the federation, key stakeholders in governance should do well to shelve personal and partisan reservations and try to focus the spotlight on individuals with the personality, will power, enthusiasm and credentials to get the job done. Such persons should be encouraged and supported to spear head the affairs of the state. Come 2023, Danagogo is placed firmly within the brackets of such individuals.

*Abanum is the Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication and Documentation to the Governor of Bayelsa State