Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah has declared with unwavering optimism that Nigeria will eventually rediscover its path to greatness. The 87-year-old statesman made this powerful declaration during the launch of his long-awaited biography in a ceremony that brought together political heavyweights and admirers.
A Vision for National Renewal
Speaking before a captivated audience, Attah expressed his firm belief that Nigeria will eventually get its priorities right and experience a democratic renewal that will propel the nation toward prosperity. "Someday, we in Nigeria will get our priorities right; our democracy will be renewed, and then Nigeria will be great again," the former governor proclaimed, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
The event, which took place on November 20, 2025, served as both a celebration of Attah's 87 years and the public presentation of a biography that took 13 years to complete. The former governor used the occasion to share personal anecdotes that never made it into the published work, offering glimpses into the humor and contradictions that characterize Nigerian society.
Revealing Anecdotes from a Distinguished Career
One particularly telling story dated back to 1975 in Kaduna, when Attah managed Inter-Design Partnership. He recalled how a British engineer working with him rode a bicycle to work daily. When Attah borrowed the bicycle for a day, his secretary expressed deep embarrassment, complaining that "All my friends are laughing at me. They say my boss rides a bicycle."
With a knowing smile, Attah noted that this reaction perfectly illustrated how Nigerians perceive the 'big man' and the expectations surrounding status and transportation.
Another revealing incident occurred during his early career in 1966 Barbados, where he successfully expanded the prestigious Sandy Lane Hotel by 25 rooms. Decades later, as governor of Akwa Ibom State, he personally welcomed the late First Lady Stella Obasanjo to the same hotel, only to later face questioning from the EFCC about his connection to the establishment.
"That tells you the type of Nigeria we have," Attah remarked wryly, highlighting the sometimes contradictory nature of public service in the country.
Jonathan's Emotional Tribute to a Niger Delta Champion
The book launch was chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who postponed personal celebrations to honor his colleague. Jonathan delivered an emotional tribute that highlighted Attah's crucial role in transforming the economic destiny of the Niger Delta region.
Jonathan, who had worked at OMPADEC as a young technocrat, revealed startling details about Akwa Ibom's financial situation before Attah's intervention. "Akwa Ibom was receiving only one per cent. One per cent," he emphasized, stressing that the state's allocation was so meagre it barely registered at the federal level.
The former president credited Attah's courage and stubborn insistence on fairness for fundamentally changing the region's economic landscape through his historic battle against the onshore-offshore oil dichotomy. "Those who enjoy the huge revenue today must understand the struggle that made it possible," Jonathan stated.
In a powerful declaration, Jonathan positioned Attah as the central figure in this struggle: "Victor Attah was not just part of the fight. He was the lion leading the charge. Others fought, yes. But Attah was the champion — number one." He added that today's Akwa Ibom would have been "a completely different place" without Attah's determined efforts.
Guiding Principles and Professional Integrity
Throughout the event, Attah emphasized the core values that have guided his life and career: lowly toil, simple pleasures, courage, contentment, and gratitude. He credited these principles to childhood lessons learned through the family prayer of Chief Bassey Udo Bature's children.
Reflecting on his return to architecture after leaving public office, Attah made a clear distinction about his political identity: "I was a professional in politics, not a professional politician."
Drawing inspiration from global leaders, he noted: "If Jimmy Carter could return to a peanut farm after being President, I feel no compunction returning to my profession after my tenure as governor."
As the ceremony concluded with resounding applause, Attah's words resonated not merely as personal reflection but as a hopeful vision for Nigeria's future—a vision built on integrity, principle, and the belief that better days lie ahead for the nation.
