On the early morning of Saturday, February 22, I found myself at the Lagos domestic airport, heading to Oye-Ekiti. The Federal University there was honoring distinguished individuals, among whom included me—a person known for shying away from media attention. This trip was arranged as a private flight by leading entrepreneur and founder of AirPeace, Dr. Alex Onyema. Rumors were circulating amongst passengers that this special journey was intended for early risers.
As expected, the airport coffee proved invaluable for clearing the morning haze from our faces, much appreciated by those who would rather have stayed under their duvet covers. Sipping quietly, lost in thought, I found myself inadvertently eavesdropping on what began as an engaging monologue and soon captured my full attention. This led to a sudden pivot—my head turning sharply by nearly 180 degrees—as I sought out the source: an individual well-versed in Nigerian, Middle Belt, and Benue politics and development seated directly behind me.
It was during this event that I finally met Arc. Sunday “Sonny” Sylva Togo Echono, the highly esteemed 9th Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Despite being involved in what seemed like a familiar interaction with someone lower-ranking—evident from their conversational dynamics—and which would be verified through our subsequent conversations in Ekiti—the most striking aspect for me was how down-to-earth he appeared. There wasn’t even a hint of pretense; instead, he came across as very approachable and friendly.
During Sonny’s address at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti graduation ceremony, followed by the unexpected overnight stay due to logistical delays, where everyone found themselves under the hospitality of the Ekiti State Government, I got more comfortable talking with him. When we eventually boarded the contentious Eketi airport flight back to Lagos early Sunday morning, we delved into discussions about governmental matters, specifically focusing on challenges within his home state, Benue.
Naturally, I decided to research more about him once our conversation ended. Throughout his career in the federal civil service, he has held numerous significant positions—from overseeing financial procedures in several prominent ministries to securing a spot as an esteemed “super” permanent secretary, working across top-tier Grade “A” departments. Even though he was brought back into service following retirement—note how casual he appeared in a T-shirt and jeans during his departure from Oye-Ekiti—he continues to inject positivity into the often bleak landscape of Nigerian academic circles.
This article isn’t meant for praise festivity since it might turn out to be insignificant. To some individuals, the state resembles a nearly borderless path leading towards celebration, where additional noise merely becomes superfluous—akin to adding drops of water with a spoon into a vast sea according to Yoruba idiom; essentially pointless effort. Yet, his narrative stands as proof that there’s still reason for optimism provided we persevere; demonstrating how one person can significantly impact change without needing grand gestures; showing us that people who genuinely wish the nation well remain plentiful, ensuring better choices are accessible when sought after. In this atmosphere marred by profound skepticism—which understandably exists—he serves as an example through his career trajectory—from public service employee to designated leader—in instructing current generations within a disillusioned society.
Leadership in Nigeria is chaotic, not confined solely to politicians or public servants across all levels—federal, state, or local. A strong focus on material wealth permeates our approach to leadership. Straying from this norm can lead to significant backlash from those close to you, such as relatives, who might view you as someone squandering “their” share of the nation’s resources merely because they see benefits coming through you.
A typical Permanent Secretary in any government department, serving as the Chief Accounting Officer, is often presumed to be wealthy, and indeed most are. Many hide their assets across numerous high-rise buildings located in prime neighborhoods and commercial centers in places like Abuja, Lagos, and other costly Nigerian urban areas. The heads of procurement hold significant sway within the bureaucracy; colloquially speaking, they wield considerable power over contracts, processes, and distributions. There are tales of mid-level and junior employees in procurement driving top-of-the-line vehicles (“whips”) and residing in lavish houses in Abuja, alongside opulent retreats back home in rural locations. These properties are frequently visited only once or twice annually by their owners. Anti-Corruption Commission (ICPC) investigations have led to convictions against several individuals involved in these practices.
Anytime you encounter a typical Procurement Director within the civil sector, particularly at the federal level where most of the resources (the biggest portion of the national wealth) lie, an introduction is usually unnecessary. Their position is unmistakable. Their sphere of influence is unparalleled. As the Yoruba proverb goes: “Eni to ni owo lo ni owo” (he who holds the purse strings calls the shots).
So, let’s perform some basic math with one eye slightly closed and the other twinkling brightly, to keep our creative juices flowing freely.
Imagine a person who served as the Director of Procurement across five ministries—Defense, Water Resources, Environment, Agriculture, and Power—and later became the Permanent Secretary in three ministries: Agriculture, Communications, and Education throughout his 31-year career. Given the Nigerian tendency to seize every opportunity for personal gain when in power, how immensely wealthy might this individual have become? Echono held the position of Director of Procurement at various times but eventually advanced to serve as the Permanent Secretary in several key departments!
The way he stays nearly unassuming (like when he went without a tie and was overlooked amidst the hustle of departing Lagos, even though regular flyers noticed him during their early morning routes) and remains humble is remarkable. It serves as a significant lesson for those with authority who believe they must create noise to gain recognition.
If Echono had been driven by financial gain like numerous colleagues in public office, one might forgive him based on necessity, seeing as he started making significant moves within the system quite young—at around 40 years old—when he served as Secretary of the Ministerial Tenders Board. Isn’t it often said that life starts anew at forty? And wasn’t Solomon known to have stated that wealth addresses most concerns (or many issues)?
To embrace being unconventional, he echoes a Yoruba adage suggesting that only individuals burdened by riches would christen their offspring Olaniyonu (indicating wealth as troublesome). Similarly, there exists the wisdom stating that an empty vessel makes the most sound. The fact that Echono did not name his child Olaniyonu does not imply he emerged into affluence; rather, akin to how Alhaji Lai Mohammed used to jest prior to entering public service, Echono seems content with leading a modest existence free from covetousness.
From stage to platform, transitioning through various ranks—from military insignia to civilian roles—he has traversed much of Nigeria promoting educational reforms via TETFund initiatives aimed at restoring vibrancy to academic institutions across the nation. Now, propelled forward by widespread support and applause nationwide, he finds himself committed more than ever to pressing ahead without glancing backward, steadfastly guiding progress onward.
Each year, TETFund receives 3% of the assessable profits from registered Nigerian firms, an amount counted in billions. While this might seem less daunting compared to managing substantial Defense and Power department allocations, the new head needs to remain vigilant against internal threats—those who stealthily erode funds without facing consequences for their actions. It would be disastrous if these issues tarnish what should otherwise shine brightly. Perhaps the ongoing narrative of his career will intersect with places like the People’s House located along Kashim Ibrahim Way in Makurdi.
ALSO SEE: Specialist aims to bridge the divide between industry and academia to address Nigeria’s challenges
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
