FROM SELF-DOUBT TO SELFLESS SERVICE: THE LEADERSHIP ODYSSEY OF “SKILLFUL”

By Chiekezie Emmanuel, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) SUG Senate Spokesman, Sen. Ogbu Michael (Skillful) shares his political journey.

The Student Union Government, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Spokesman Sen. Ogbu Michael, shares his leadership journey with the ESUT Monitor newspaper.

He stated, “Actually, during my early age, I was an introvert. However, something pushed me to start socializing during my Junior Secondary School (JSS2) when a seminarian appointed me as the block rosary leader. This experience taught me a lot, and I learned that leadership is not about age or size. The seminarian instilled in me the idea that ‘Leadership is Inbuilt’ because it’s not something you can force upon yourself.”

During his Senior Secondary School SS2 days, when they were to select new student leaders, he had an interest in applying but was discouraged by his form mistress. However, he got involved with a movement known as “Young Catholic Students” (YCS). During the selection of functionaries in his school, he was unexpectedly nominated as the chapel prefect, which marked the beginning of his leadership journey.

After that, he was elected as the first Sectional President of YCS (2016/2017), followed by his roles as Zonal Vice President of Ogui Zone, which comprised eight secondary schools, and later as Zonal Coordinator.

In 2018, when he showed interest in the office of the Provost of Young Catholic Students YCS Enugu Diocese, he faced underestimation due to his size. Despite receiving threats to back off, he persisted and won the election with 22 out of 30 votes, shocking everyone.

Upon admission to ESUT, he made a few friends but faced challenges with the acting class representative. When the election date was announced, he was motivated to contest by a few friends and won despite facing opposition he positioned.

As a leader, he faced challenges, but the Head of Department congratulated him and asked him to continue his work. Initially, 80% of his course mates were against him, but they began to trust him as they saw the good things he did for them.

One notable act was when he helped a course mate whose parents couldn’t pay her fees. He mobilized a lecturer, and through freewill donations, her school fees were paid. To date, she remains grateful for that act. Throughout his tenure, he hasn’t collected any class dues because he believes a leader serves, not for personal gain.

He also collaborated with an NGO that helps students with provisions and finance, submitting ten names of his course mates for assistance.

A course mate predicted he’d become Governor or President in a few years, saying, “A golden fish can’t be hidden.” What motivates him is going the extra mile to ensure people are okay and not seeing them in pain when he can help.

From humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated political student icon, he emphasized that education is not a scam. He cited Sen. Natasha as an example, saying that without education, she wouldn’t have become a senator. He sees himself owning one of the best brands in Africa in the next few years.

He advised aspiring leaders, “As a leader, you should prioritize the interests of your people, make an impact while in office, and your work will speak for you after you leave” He said.