By: Esther Modupe Ikeun
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sunny Echono, is an epitome of integrity and discipline throughout his public life. He is known for his prudent and accountable disposition with a clean record in civil service of which he rose through the ranks to be appointed as Permanent Secretary in many ministries. He worked harmoniously with the ministers and other management staff of the ministries.
Arc. Echono has the working principle ’let the system work’ by this ideological inclination, he believes that the essence of public service is to assist government to deliver public goods for the greatest happiness of Nigerians.
Being a principled public servant, he is always very careful in taking authoritative decision knowing so well that public service is community service. No wonder, the then President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Executive Secretary of TETFund.
Consequently, many Nigerians who have had encounter with Arc. Sunny Echono see his appointment as well deserved hence putting a square peg in a round hole. There is no doubt, that the Executive Secretary of TETFund has brought pragmatism and innovation to the activities of the Fund. He has said it repeatedly that quality research is a prerequisite for nation building.
His reputable standard remains a strong one and a ladder for all in public service giving to all that he has accomplished and numerous plans to achieve greater accomplishment in the service. He is known for his strong passion for education and the need to also inspire the younger generation to create a lasting legacy in all diligence, and that is why he has relentlessly continued to make good impression in service by carrying out large number of projects that has continued to sustain the good legacy of the Fund.
He continues to break grounds by exceeding the expectation of the people, as he works so hard towards rebuilding Nigerians public tertiary education with structural planning, research programmes which are very evident through his open hands towards the release of funds for projects.
It is in the same vein, through the interventions of the Fund, his stewardship has produced a lot of graduates that are educationally and morally upright to contend with their counterparts all over the world, and it is his goal to continue to produce more both at Masters and PhD level.
His strong vision has been the driving force towards achieving a better administration that is beneficial to all. Arc. Echono in the spirit of commitment has continued to work in line with the ‘’Renewed Hope’’ agenda of Mr. President, as he has not stopped to continually work on repositioning the educational system, and ensuring that the agenda is not just a policy of frame work but a statement of commitment and dedication.
That is why he holds a strong belief that anything can be achieved if we all work together as a country. Instead of campaign calumny. Individuals should come together to create a balance by contributing their own quota and ensuring that greater height is achieved towards nation-building.
Hence Arc. Echono has proven to be committed to the right course, no form of treachery has been detected in all his years of public service, as it can be attested to by all. Nigeria belong to all of us irrespective of tribe or religion and we must say no to campaign of calumny but encourage people-oriented public officers to remain on course.
The author can be reached via estheriken01@gmail.com
