Whether it is by coincidence or by a providential design, it’s not in dispute that Hon Tony Okonkwo, even though he prefers the simple ascription of the prefix “Mr.” as a modest title to introducing himself, and Prince Arinze Arum, fondly called “Arizona” by Mr. Tony Okonkwo, are an embodiment of excellence that found themselves on the same boulevard of life under the same principal who is intentional about excellence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is it that is unusual between these individuals? What do they share in common that arouses this canticle of rhythm? It sounds interesting that one cannot be celebrated without the other. Fine gentlemen though, they have been refined into symbols of excellence by a man that garbs himself with nothing less than excellence, and abhors mediocrity and fairytale of excuses.
Like the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, succinctly capped his work on excellence and virtue; excellence is never an accident. It’s always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It’s a product of hard-work that banishes any stroke of luck. In this duo, we have found excellence in work and reward in merit.
As we celebrate Mr. Tony and Prince Arinze, both of whom are stagiaire under the tutelage Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, we can only imagine what fibre they are made up of. Serving under or working with the governor isn’t kneejerk. In one of 2Face lyrics, he made use of the words, “no be small matter.” So, working with Governor Mbah “no be small matter.” You must always put on your thinking cap, be watchful and stay awake.
Governor Mbah is an enigma of excellence and has no patience for incompetence, issuelessness and cluelessness, and only the very few with that excellence and the can-do spirit who have been tested for competence can make it to his courtyard. Passing the litmus test isn’t a cakewalk. Yes, as a mentor and role model, Governor Mbah’s expectation of mentee is far above average, and this has worked for those that rode through his shoulder of leadership.
Mr. Tony did, and Prince Arinze did too! It’s challenging but rewarding. Self-esteem. Fulfillment. Ambition. Focus. When you pass through the leadership training of Dr. Mbah, your eyes must also be on the goal. You will be uncanny in your thinking, and you will do things differently. While Mr. Tony serves as the Personal Assistant to the Governor, where he displays the dexterity of wisdom garnered over decades of working with the governor in the private sector and attends to complex issues that have elevated the wheel of governance, Prince Arinze is atop a leadership strait as the Executive Secretary of the State Lottery and Lotto Commission.
Both made it thus far because of the unceasing pursuit of excellence which is in sync with the mantra of the governor. It’s innovation; the ability to do things differently. Being able to depart from the established norm – challenging otiose convention – to set a new record for the advancement of humanity counts as a point in the administration.
Today, as these two trailblazers who share the joy of working together as a team that bonded over the years celebrate their shared birthday, I can but only wish them more strength and pray for renewed excellence in innovation.
Happy Birthday, Hon Tony Okonkwo and Prince Arinze Arum.