Dakuku Peterside: Celebrating A Life of Leadership and Service

Vincent Obia

On this very special day, as we celebrate another incredible year in the life of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, we cannot but reflect on the countless significant moments, adventures, and offerings that have defined the journey of this remarkable leader, technocrat, and politician. This is not just another birthday celebration, but a time to honour a life marked by unwavering purpose, selfless service, and profound commitment to the betterment of society. A time to celebrate a life that has been a beacon of inspiration to countless individuals.

In today’s challenging world of public service, true leaders are hard to find. But in Dakuku, Nigeria has had the rare fortune of having someone whose career has been a masterclass in leadership, integrity, grace, and compassion. He is a visionary and firm advocate for the common good. And his journey is a testament to his dedication and untiring passion for progress.

In a political turf mostly fraught with uncritical manoeuvring, inconsistency, and soullessness, Dakuku has stood out as a pillar of loyalty and ethical leadership rooted in genuine concern for the welfare of others.

Integrity is the bedrock of the trust he has built overtime with those who have worked with him.

In the politics of his native Rivers State, Dakuku is both prominent and distinct. He has vied for the governorship position, and it is obvious that he is not very happy with how things have been, especially in his party, All Progressives Congress (APC). But he believes the issues are hardly enough reason to overturn the applecart of leadership.

He believes in peace, honours relationship, and prioritises the long-term well-being of the state over short-term political gain.

During the burgeoning phases of the current political disagreements in the state, in 2023, Dakuku’s intervention was true to type.

He condemned, “in all ramifications, the raw violence that followed what should ordinarily be average political engagements”. He also condemned the “unwarranted disruption of normal governmental activities by politically motivated interest”.

He appealed to “all leaders in Rivers State to intervene in measured terms with the overall interest of our state in mind,” and stressed, “Posterity will judge all of us. Let us allow reason to prevail.”

Consistency and discipline are difficult to maintain, especially in politics. But this etiquette, personalised by Dakuku, has crystallised for many in the state what it means to lead with conviction.

His vision extends beyond elections. He has consistently championed initiatives aimed at sustainable development and social justice.

Whether as Commissioner for Works in Rivers State (2007-2011), member of the House of Representatives (2011-2015), Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) (2016-2020), and governorship candidate (2015), Dakuku has been a crusader for public good and transformational leadership.

Since his last public stewardship in 2020 as Director-General of NIMASA, he has pursued his passion for inspiring social transformation through his writings and speaking engagements.

Dakuku is co-founder of Growth and Transformation Professionals (GTpro), Africa’s foremost government relations and policy strategy consultancy firm. Through training and strategic insights, this initiative has shaped the growth of many public and private sectors organisations in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dakuku’s development mind-set comes out very clearly in his writings. During the public presentation of his books, “Beneath the Surface,” and “Leading in a Storm,” in October, he said his writings were his own response to the growing need for informed leadership and active citizenship in an era of volatility, uncertainty, and complexity.

He said, “My heart’s desire is simple yet ambitious, to equip a generation of leaders and citizens to inspire transformative change and refine our political narratives.”

In “Beneath the Surface: Essays on Nigeria’s Chequered Journey,” Dakuku, through a collection of articles, chronicles the Nigerian crisis, bemoaning the story of a country that has wobbled between potential and the danger of failure.   

In “Leading in a Storm: Practical Leadership Strategies in Crisis Situation,” he highlights key competences for effective leadership under intense pressure.

Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said, “What stands out in his work is not merely the sharpness of his observations, but the quality of his ideas for reform. He offers solutions, and that is the mark of a true patriot and thinker.”

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major-General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), called Dakuku’s books “intellectual and patriotic offerings” that challenged Nigerians “to reflect, rethink, and rebuild our future”. 

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Christopher Musa, praised the works as “field-ready guides for a world where uncertainty is constant”.

Shortly after leaving office as NIMASA director-general, Dakuku, in 2021, published, “Strategic Turnaround: Story of a Government Agency.”

Beyond writing, Dakuku, a public sector turnaround expert, has given talks and presented scholarly papers at several conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and America.  

From advocating expanded access to democracy dividends, to pushing for environmental justice and better management of ocean resources, Dakuku’s forward-thinking approach to life and leadership has helped to lay the foundation for a brighter future.

In the House of Representatives, he led other legislators, as chairman of the House technical committee, to sponsor and champion the Petroleum Industry Bill, which eventually birthed the current Petroleum Industry Act that has shaped and given direction to the country’s oil and gas industry.

As works commissioner in Rivers State, Dakuku supervised the largest construction portfolio in the history of the state, overseeing about 200 road projects, five flyover bridges, and 10 bridges in four years. And as Director-General of NIMASA, he turned around the agency, making it the envy of the Nigerian public service within his four-year tenure.

The impact of his works are evident in the changes he has supervised in the public offices the Good Lord has helped him to occupy.

He has never relented in championing causes for societal transformation. His achievements have been the result of countless hours of hard work, strategic planning, and unswerving belief in the potential of the people and community.

He is widely admired for his humility, empathy, and ability to connect easily with people from diverse backgrounds.

Dakuku is a man of grace and strong character. He is compassionate and among the most approachable figures in Rivers politics.

I recall a moment during his time at NIMASA, when at a public function, the MC, a staff of the agency, became nervous and was about to goof. But Dakuku stepped in to avert an ignominy the young man could have struggled with for a long time. Small kind manners like this, often unnoticed, speak volumes for a leader’s concern for others.

Dakuku exemplifies what it means to serve and lead, and remain grounded in purpose.

As we look to the future, we are filled with hope that Dakuku’s legacy will continue to shine through his own life and the lives of those he has touched.

May this birthday be for him a joyous occasion filled with love and good health. And may his dreams and aspirations continue to come true.