Executive bookshelf 25 January 2026

Architect of a Nation: Unveiling the Lessons from Attah’s Legacy

Architect of a Nation: Unveiling the Lessons from Attah’s Legacy

By Dr. Udeme Nana, FNIPR

On a notable Thursday in November 2025, Abuja experienced more than just a book launch; it witnessed the unveiling of a legacy. Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn, the first comprehensive biography of Obong Victor Attah, celebrated the 87th birthday of the man himself—a distinguished architect, a former governor, a patriot, and the unwavering “Senior Advocate of Resource Control and True Federalism.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan highlighted the importance of his fight, honouring him as the South-South governor who led the crucial campaign for the 13% derivation funds, a movement that transformed the economic future of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, President of PANDEF, served as Chair of the Planning Committee for the book launch of the biography. Igali was supported by individuals such as His Excellency Labaran Maku, CON, former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and former Minister for Information; Professor Tunde Esan; Otunba Supo Shonibare; Dr Jerry Nwohu; and two women, Hon. Dr Stella Dorgu and Ms Ekaette Robson.

The book imparts enduring lessons. Dr Dele Sobowale’s narrative offers a masterclass in resilience, principles, and visionary leadership. The Hawk and The Governor: A Legacy Forged in Resilience

The biography shows that greatness often comes from adversity. Young Victor Attah, despite his family’s status, took control of his future by hawking ‘nwo nwo’ (pieces of meat) in Uyo—the city he would later govern. This early desire to solve urgent problems foreshadowed the leader he would later confront federal power. When President Obasanjo withheld Akwa Ibom’s allocations, disputing its coastal status and reducing it to a small monthly share of N600 million, Governor Attah’s response reflected the determined hawk of his youth: he launched a strategic, determined legal and political fight for what was right.

A Tapestry of Principles: Professionalism, Culture, and Courage

Attah’s life exemplifies integrity in Every sphere.

As an architect, he chose to forgo his commission rather than allow the NDIC to compromise his professional standards. As a cultural advocate, the book highlights a powerful lesson from Lagos: a High Court judge who proudly performed as a masquerade, demonstrating that cultural heritage is not limited to any class but is a noble treasure for all. This same fearless authenticity shaped his politics. He was an “ethical purist” whose strong advocacy for true federalism and resource control was driven by conviction, not convenience.

The Power of Connection and Conviction

The biography illustrates how strategic relationships serve the greater good. Attah’s friendship with President Ibrahim Babangida was crucial in establishing Akwa Ibom State and designating Uyo as its capital. It also emphasises that maintaining a transparent public record is the best safeguard. The book thoroughly details his successful legal challenge against the EFCC—a case he won, which led to an apology from the federal government. This stands as a strong example of integrity for all public officials.

Beyond Politics: Faith, Family, and the Land Rooting Attah’s public life is a profound private foundation. The Attah family prayer, opening the book, served as his lifelong moral compass. His deep investment in agriculture through Alvita Farms, following in his pioneering father’s footsteps, underscores a belief that Nigeria’s future is linked to the land.

The life story reveals Obong Attah’s strategy for capturing a lady’s attention. Winning the love of his late wife, Alison, wasn’t an easy task. He had to think creatively before he successfully won her heart and, eventually, her hand in marriage. It is a timeless lesson for single men and anyone seeking a woman’s affection.

The book depicts Obong Attah as a bold and courageous individual who openly expresses his views once he is convinced of the accuracy of his facts and the righteousness of a cause. He does not hide his beliefs, and his vigorous, fearless, and persistent advocacy for true federalism, derivation, and resource control, despite strong opposition, clearly emphasises these qualities.

As a youth, he disagreed with his father and changed his Church denomination. As a young student in Zaria, he fought for students’ rights, even though he did not reap the rewards of that struggle. As the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he advocated for the payment of 13% derivation funds to mineral-rich States in Nigeria without discrimination. He also fought to abolish the onshore-offshore oil dichotomy. As a professional architect, he opposed the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) management’s decision to tamper with his architectural design for the organisation’s headquarters complex. He would rather lose his commission than compromise the integrity of his professional work.

The biography also intriguingly clarifies a pivotal moment in history, debunking myths about the 1950s Western Region premiership through firsthand accounts and providing valuable scholarly insight.

As shown on pages 30 and 31 of the book, Azikiwe could have run in the parliamentary election from the East if he had chosen to.

However, the NCNC was so confident of winning the election in the East that it was decided Zik, as he was affectionately called, should contest in the West and become the Premier of the Western Region. The calculation suggested the NCNC would control two out of three regions in Nigeria… The NCNC won by a large margin in the East, but the election in the West did not produce a clear winner among the three parties: the Action Group, the NCNC, and the Ibadan Peoples Party… The Ibadan Peoples Party was led by Chief Adisa Akinloye, a descendant of the Ibadan ruling family… It was the coalition between the Ibadan Peoples Party and the Action Group that enabled Chief Obafemi Awolowo to become the Premier. The common allegation that Azikiwe was denied the Premiership of the Western Region after winning the election as Premier is false… The defection, meaning the NCNC parliamentarians shifting allegiance to the Action Group, occurred later, as some sought ministerial appointments.

The Book disclosed that “Chief Adisa Akinloye, the man who altered the course of Western Regional political history… explained the entire episode in an interview he granted the Daily Times on Saturday, October 5, 1996! The full account is on page 31 of the Book.

An Enduring Legacy in Print

The presentation at the NAF Conference Centre drew Nigeria’s political and professional elite, emphasising Attah’s prominence. The most significant statement of the day came from Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who confirmed that the funds benefiting states today are directly due to Attah’s courageous fight.

Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn is more than a chronicle; it is a repository of wisdom. Published by Agbo Areo Publishers, this 437-page volume, dedicated to the brave G-34, is essential reading for students of history, politics, and leadership. It provides a compelling blueprint for anyone who believes that public service, guided by principle and courage, can indeed forge a new dawn.

Dr. Udeme Nana, FNIPR, founder of the Uyo Book Club, served as Media Adviser to Obong Victor Attah and was Secretary of the Planning Committee for the book launch.

Socio-Political

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