By Marvis Osiobe-Eterigho
Prof Christopher Akpotu, the Isoko Development Union (IDU) President-General and Dean of Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, has said leading a transition that lasts, especially in the context of building smart economies and delivering renewable hope, requires more than new policies or digital tools.
He said this while delivering an address of the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Muhammad A. Mainoma, at the 19th Annual International Conference/AGM of the Academy of Management Nigeria (TAMN), held last Wednesday in Southern Delta University, (SDU) Ozoro.
According to him, leadership transition requires a fundamental shift in how leaders think, act and institutionalize values.
“The MAINOMA framework (Mindset, Accountability, Integrity, National interest, Openness, Meritocracy, Adaptability) offers a culturally grounded, operationally practical model for this shift. It is not simply a list of virtues, but a governing discipline which differentiates between digitizing dysfunction and engineering true transformation.”.
Speaking further, he described smart economy as a system where digital technologies, innovation and data analytics are integrated to enhance economic performance, public service delivery and societal well-being.
“In smart economy, the emphasis is on optimizing systems, whether transport, health, education, finance or utilities by making them more efficient, user-responsive, environmentally conscious and economically productive.
“The core idea is that innovation must not be ornamental or elitist; it must solve real problems such as youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits and financial exclusion”.
He added that “Smart economy is the operating engine of national transformation, linking what is technologically possible to what is developmentally necessary”.
Prof Akpotu further gave an array of key development accelerators which includes; access and inclusion, knowledge-driven innovation, accountability and governance, resilient infrastructure and green transition, and opportunities for youth and future generations.
“To build a smart and responsive economy, institutional frameworks must be reengineered for effectiveness, speed and accountability.
“Institutional renewal calls for redefining roles, aligning mandates with measurable outcomes and introducing performance contacts for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)”.
Also speaking at the event was the President of the Academy of Management Nigeria (TAMN), Prof Seth Accra Jaja who pointed out that the conference was not just to make Southern Delta University Ozoro as participants but as partners.
Highlight of the conference was the induction of 21 luminaries as Fellows in TAMN.
Dignitaries present were Prof. Jacob Snapps Oboreh, the Vice Chancellor of SDU, Ozoro; Prof Seth Accra Jaja, the President of TAMN; Rt. Hon Jonathan Ukodhiko, House of Representatives member; Prof Christopher Akpotu amongst others.
