Dakuku Peterside’s Love for His Kinsmen

Those who are wise understand that truly formidable people are not distinguished because of their abilities. On the contrary, the purpose that drives them to keep moving forward irrespective of opposition – that is the truly frightening thing about such people. For Dakuku Peterside, his vast intellect and administrative effectiveness continue to churn out ideas and solutions for Rivers’ advancement. It has baffled many people, but his motivation has been revealed to be nothing more than a sincere and unaffected love for his people.

The simple and humble personality known as Dakuku Peterside is a man of many talents. As a politician, columnist, teacher of leadership and organisational development, and a force to reckon with in oil and gas, maritime regulation, and security, one would expect him to have flown out of Nigeria in search of greener pastures. But the man has remained on this side of the world, striving and struggling to improve those around, however necessary.

The latest gesture of Peterside’s goodwill is the publication of his book, Strategic Turnaround: Story of a Government Agency. This book is reported to chronicle Nigeria in light of the administration of its many bureaus and parastatals. Because Peterside had experienced this firsthand (especially as DG/CEO of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)), his account is worth vying for. And many notable Nigerian business and government figures have done exactly this.

It is remarkable that Dakuku Peterside is still helping out—and relevant to—Rivers affairs. He started there, after all, and made his political debut in 2003 as Special Adviser to the Governor at that time, Peter Odili. After that, Peterside only ascended to greater heights and eventually caught President Muhammadu Buhari’s attention, after which the latter made him NIMASA DG/CEO. In all this time, Peterside has not forgotten his roots, people, and devotion to these. Truly, with Dakuku Peterside, there is much to wait and watch out for.