By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, on Wednesday continued his strategic tour of the company’s operational districts with a high-impact visit to the Ogidi/Obosi Districts, where he engaged staff in a thought-provoking session centered on discipline, integrity, hope, and the future of the organization.
The visit, which held at the District Headquarters, brought together staff and management team of the two districts and key operational units, who listened with vigour as the MD demonstrated Management’s commitment to direct engagement with the workforce and strengthening internal efficiency across the company.
Addressing the gathering, Engr. Okafor delivered a deeply reflective and motivational lecture on the theme “The Audacity of Hope,” drawing inspiration from the globally acclaimed work of former U.S. President, Barack Obama, while also contextualizing its relevance to the realities of the Nigerian power sector and the FirstPower company in particular.
He emphasized that hope is not mere wishful thinking, but a driving force that fuels resilience, sustains belief in possibility, and inspires collective action. According to him, without hope, individuals and institutions lose the capacity to act, endure, and transform, stressing that it is hope that gives meaning to perseverance, especially in challenging times.
“Hope is the energy that fuels resilience, the belief that tomorrow can be better than today. Without hope, we cannot mobilize ourselves to act. But with hope, we can endure and transform,” he stated.
Speaking further, the FirstPower MD urged staff not to look down on their current roles, but to carry out their duties with passion, diligence, and a strong sense of purpose, noting that today’s responsibilities are preparatory platforms for tomorrow’s opportunities.
He recounted his personal leadership journey, revealing that he assumed leadership responsibilities at a relatively young age, a development he said was made possible not only by grace, but also by passion, consistency, discipline, and a refusal to compromise standards. He encouraged staff to remain steadfast in their values, regardless of distractions, challenges or pressures to compromise.
The MD also issued a strongly-worded caution against corruption and unethical practices, warning the staff against extortion, bribery, and abuse of office. He stressed that such acts not only damage the company’s reputation but also ultimately destroy the future of those involved.
“Leadership is not a popularity contest,” he said. “Do not trade your future for temporary gains. Work with a righteous mind, and in time, people will appreciate you genuinely, and your progress will be evident.”
The MD also expressed concerns against any form of workplace intimidation, describing it as a serious threat to productivity, objectivity, and staff well-being. He condemned all forms of intimidation, including gender-based discrimination, sexual exploitation, among others, noting that such practices undermine both individual dignity and organizational growth.
“When a system is challenged by workplace intimidation, it affects decision-making and forces people into compromises. We must build a system where people can work freely, professionally, and without fear,” he asserted.
Projecting into the future, the FirstPower Boss painted an optimistic picture of the company’s growth trajectory, assuring staff that FirstPower is on the path of expansion, with prospects of new subsidiaries, increased opportunities, and broader leadership openings.
“What you see today is small compared to where this company is going,” he said. “Position yourselves now, prepare yourself ahead. The future holds greater opportunities, and those who are prepared will be the ones to step into them.”
He further encouraged staff to see challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for reinvention, stressing that hope shines brightest in adversity and that difficult moments often present the greatest opportunities for growth and transformation.
The session also featured contributions from the Head of the Connection Management Group (CMG), Mrs. Maureen Chinwe Okoye, who reinforced the MD’s message on ethical service delivery, customer relations, and the importance of professionalism in strengthening public trust in the company.
In their separate votes of thanks, the District Business Manager of Ogidi, Mr. Okoye Franklin Ifeanyi, and his Obosi counterpart, Mrs. Ogochukwu Mgbatogu, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director for the visit, describing it as timely, impactful, and deeply inspiring. They noted that the engagement had not only boosted morale but also reinforced a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among staff.
They further pledged the readiness of their districts to align with Management’s vision, implement the directives shared, and work collectively towards improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and the overall reputation of the company.
The visit marks another significant step in the MD’s ongoing effort to reposition FirstPower as a performance-driven, ethically grounded, and customer-focused electricity distribution company, while building a workforce that is both motivated and future-ready.
More photos from the event:
