Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Ex-Commissioner (Kogi State of Nigeria) Speaks Out

Hon. Barrister Thomas Ojoka Acholo, Ex-Commissioner for Culture & Tourism (Kogi State of Nigeria) speaks out to SolaBranded.com



You are a successful barrister, and your success in your field has enhanced your appointment as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Kogi State of Nigeria; what was the experience like as a  commissioner and what would you have done better if any?
First and foremost  I am grateful  to God  almighty  for all I have achieved  as a lawyer and a Hon. Commissioner  for Culture and tourism Kogi state. The  experience as commissioner is an interesting one. In the  office you face a lot of things  both the ones you  plan for and even  unimaginable. As a Hon. Commissioner you are to try and address whatever comes to your  table. It is an office where you  meet  different  people on a daily basis. When in office  I never leave anything to chance because every day I enter my office  I believe that is 'The  last day'. I did all I have to do, I try to clear all the file on my table. As a political appointee you  can be drop at any time. So when the cabinet was dissolved, it does not come as a surprise.

What's the most funny story about yourself? 
The funny thing  about  myself is that I don't feel as a commissioner  I'm more important than  any of the staff. I believe  we are all equal.

Are there any political or social issues you feel passionate about?
I feel passionate about some social  issues  especially when  some  junior staff are  better than their seniors in terms of performance in  the office, yet they were denied  a lot of benefits.


How do you keep your temper when provoked and what helps you cope?
I do not easily  feel offended, but when provoked, I have already  developed a thick skin because of the  nature  of the office. Again my training  as a lawyer  helps me in no small  measure to cope with whatever  comes  my way.

What was the hardest thing for you being a commissioner of your state?
As a commissioner, one  of the hardest  thing for me is that the State  is poor  and many proposed  projects could not be realised.

What comes easiest for you as a lawyer, and also as a commissioner?
One  thing  that  was very easy for me  was understanding people and dealing with them in a manner that solve their problems psychological .

What do you plan to have accomplished in 5, 10, 20 years personally and professionally?
In the next 10  or 20 year l would  have become  the governor of my state or member of  the  National Assembly

Where did you grow up? Did you move around a lot? If yes, how did this affect you. If no, how did the stability of living in one place all your life affect you?
I grew up at my village  Iteh in Ibaji Local Government  Area of Kogi state. I moved  round the country and that help me to understand the country very well .

Are you involved in any community organizations e.g charity, church etc?
I do support NGOs in my community and strongly involved in Youth Empowerment; I'm about to have my own registered NGO.

Which animal would you compare yourself with?
 I am as friendly  as a dog.

For few readers that don’t know you, what would you like them to know about you and to always remember you for?
My name is Barr.Acholo ojoka Thomas. I should be remembered for my humility.



No comments:

Post a Comment