There is a striking quality that I have continued to note about Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru over the years, one I consider quite unusual in today’s political climate dominated by authority, ego, and hierarchy. It is a very unusual but deeply admirable leadership trait – his consistent habit of saying THANK YOU at every little thing.
Despite holding the highest executive position in the State, and regardless of the power dynamics at play, Governor Nwifuru never hesitates to express gratitude for even the smallest acts of service or courtesy extended to him. As someone privileged to be serving closely to him, I have observed firsthand how instinctive this gesture has become for him. It is not performative. It is a natural reflex, a window into the character of a man who leads with humility.
This simple but powerful act is worth deeper reflection, especially in the context of modern leadership. When you study leadership theory, focusing on emotional intelligence, which is defined as the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions and those of others, then you will appreciate this critical skill of the Governor.
Gratitude is a core component of emotional intelligence. By saying “thank you” consistently, Governor Nwifuru not only acknowledges the efforts of those around him but also reinforces their dignity and sense of worth. In return, he inspires loyalty, motivation, and respect. Those little details make up the nexus of the leader we all relish today, and by every stretch, I enjoy pointing them out.
Too often, those in positions of power fall into the trap of entitlement, assuming that respect, obedience, and service are owed to them without reciprocation. This mentality builds distance and distrust between leaders and their teams. Governor Nwifuru’s approach is the exact opposite. He understands that leadership is not about being served, but about service. His thank-you is not merely a social nicety, it is a leadership philosophy. It says: “I see you. I value what you have done. And I do not take it for granted.” Regardless of the simple fact that he employed and pay you for the service you render.
The effect of this behavior on his administration is profound. His aides, council members, regardless of rank, feel seen and appreciated. It creates an environment of mutual respect where everyone, from aides to commissioners, is encouraged to give their best, not out of fear, but out of a shared sense of purpose and morale. Gratitude humanizes leadership, and in Governor Nwifuru’s case, it strengthens the connective tissue between him and those he leads.
Moreover, this quality holds symbolic power for the public. A leader who can say thank you reminds citizens that governance should not be distant or authoritarian, but accessible and accountable. It sets a tone for the kind of civic culture that values humility over hubris, dialogue over decree.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s habitual expression of gratitude, though subtle, is a rare and powerful virtue. It reflects a deeper humility and emotional intelligence that are essential for effective and transformative leadership. In a world where titles often overshadow character, his ‘THANK YOU’ stands as a quiet but resolute statement of the kind of leader he is, grounded, gracious, and genuinely human.
Learning from him has been so valuable, outside the four walls of a classroom.
Leo Ekene Oketa
Special Assistant to the Governor
(New Media)
October 22, 2025.
