By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA — The Chairman, Advisory Committee of Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, Abuja Chapter, has described Dr. Tommy Okon as a dynamic, visionary and people-oriented leader whose decades of service have positively impacted workers, communities and society.
Sir Emmanuel Umoh stated this in a congratulatory message marking Okon’s 60th birthday anniversary and the launch of his book,” 5As of Leadership: Adaptability, Accountability, Acceptability, Accessibility and Availability”.
According to him, true leadership is not defined by the position a person occupies, but by the ability to inspire, serve, empower others and create lasting positive impact.
He said Okon’s leadership journey exemplifies these qualities, having served in prominent positions within organised labour and the Akwa Ibom community.
Umoh noted that Okon is a former First National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), former National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), and former President of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja.
He added that the confidence reposed in Okon by workers, professionals and members of the Akwa Ibom community demonstrated his capacity to mobilise people, represent collective interests and promote the welfare and development of those he served.
According to Umoh, Okon’s contribution to organised labour remains a significant part of his leadership legacy, particularly his pioneering role as the first person to occupy the position of National Deputy President of the TUC.
He said Okon’s involvement in the labour movement exposed him to workers’ advocacy, negotiation, industrial relations, conflict resolution and engagement with government and other stakeholders.
“His understanding that workers’ welfare is closely connected to national development enabled him to approach labour leadership with courage, diplomacy, knowledge and a sense of responsibility,” Umoh said.
He further noted that Okon’s service as National President of ASCSN strengthened his credentials as an experienced labour leader and administrator who contributed to the promotion of workers’ interests and issues affecting the public service.
Beyond organised labour, Umoh said Okon had also demonstrated effective community leadership as former President of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, where he contributed to promoting unity, cooperation, identity and collective development among Akwa Ibom people residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
He described community leadership as a responsibility requiring wisdom, patience, diplomacy and inclusiveness, noting that Okon’s experience in that sphere added another important dimension to his leadership profile.
Umoh described the celebrant as dynamic because of his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and operate effectively across different areas of leadership.
He said Okon’s transition from organised labour to community leadership and humanitarian engagement demonstrated versatility and a willingness to respond to emerging challenges.
According to him, the philosophy contained in Okon’s new book, 5As of Leadership, provides a practical framework for effective and responsible leadership.
He explained that Adaptability represents the ability to respond positively and intelligently to changing circumstances; Accountability reflects the willingness to accept responsibility for decisions and actions; while Acceptability emphasises earning the trust, confidence and respect of the people.
Similarly, he said Accessibility requires a leader to remain approachable and open to communication, while Availability demonstrates the willingness of a leader to be present and responsive when needed.
Umoh said the five principles were particularly relevant to leadership in government, business, professional organisations, communities and civil society.
He described the book launch as a fitting complement to the birthday celebration, saying while a birthday provides an opportunity to celebrate a person’s life, a book preserves and shares an individual’s ideas, experiences and leadership philosophy with a wider audience.
He was optimistic hat the book would inspire public officers, professionals, community leaders, young people and aspiring leaders to embrace responsible and people-centred leadership.
Umoh also described Okon as a bridge-builder and mentor whose experiences over the years could provide valuable lessons for younger generations.
He stressed that the greatest legacy of a leader was not the number of positions occupied, but the positive influence left in the lives of people and the institutions strengthened in the course of service.
“At 60, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon’s story is not complete. Rather, another chapter is beginning, with greater opportunities for mentorship, intellectual contribution, community development, institution building and service to humanity,” he said.
Umoh congratulated Okon on his 60th birthday anniversary and the launch of his book, praying for many more years of good health, wisdom, fulfilment and impactful service to humanity.
He said the occasion was not merely a celebration of age, but also a recognition of decades of leadership, service, experience and positive influence.
“Dr. Tommy Etim Okon is a dynamic, visionary and people-oriented leader who understands that the true measure of leadership is not how high one rises, but how many people are lifted, inspired, empowered and positively influenced along the way,” Umoh stated.
He wished the celebrant greater wisdom, renewed strength, wider influence and an enduring legacy of service to humanity.