Thumbs up for Oga Bello at 65

Tunji Bello, the executive vice-chairman and chief executive of Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is set to celebrate his 65th birthday on July 1st. Known for his warmth and approachability, Bello is widely admired across professional, political, and social spheres for his kindness and readiness to assist.

“

His warmth draws people to him as naturally as bees are drawn to honey.

In Nigeria's public service, where bureaucracy and rigidity often create barriers, Bello stands out as a genuinely humane official. Unlike many who erect "invisible walls," Bello fosters an environment that encourages collaboration and accessibility. This people-centric approach has earned him widespread respect and numerous tributes from colleagues and associates.

“

In a country where officialdom is often weighed down by bureaucracy, territoriality and needless rigidity, encounters with genuinely humane public officers are rarities.

The author, Tunde Akanni, shares a personal anecdote illustrating Bello's distinctive management style. Akanni, a development communication scholar and former human rights advocate, sought a sabbatical placement in a government agency. While several institutions were indifferent or unresponsive, Bello's agency offered a welcoming and facilitative experience, a stark contrast to the "painful reality" of rigid official cultures often encountered in public institutions. This experience underscores Bello's commitment to merit and humane interaction, setting him apart in the Nigerian public service landscape.

“

Tunji Bello changed the whole rhythm completely.