By Our Correspondent
Public Affairs and Strategic Communication expert, Franklyn Ginger-Eke has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s public institutions to adopt transformational and participatory leadership models.
Ginger-Eke was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D) in Public Governance and Leadership by the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at the University of Abuja.
The Doctor of Philosophy, who defended his thesis titled “Leadership Style and Performance of Public Institutions in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC)”, said the findings highlighted a strong correlation between leadership approaches and the effectiveness of public institutions in delivering essential services.
“The performance of public institutions is deeply rooted in leadership. Institutions that adopt inclusive, forward-looking leadership practices tend to deliver better outcomes, motivate staff, and inspire public trust.
“My goal is to use the insights from this research to advocate for reforms that will unlock the full potential of public service delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
With over 20 years of experience providing communications solutions across key sectors, including infrastructure, ICT, oil and gas, taxation, AfCFTA, and data protection, Ginger-Eke is the founder and Chief Strategist of The Rainbow Strategy, an Abuja-based public affairs and strategic communications consultancy. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
The doctoral conferment followed the successful defense of his research before the external examiner, Prof. Olu Afolabi of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, at the Abuja Leadership Centre, a TETFund Centre of Excellence focused on building leadership and governance capacity across Nigeria and the African continent.
Ginger-Eke thanked the Director of Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Philip Dahida, for positioning ALC as a hub for capacity development, public leadership, and governance excellence across Nigeria and Africa, and Prof. Ikenna Alumona for his rigour and patience during the project supervision.
Brigadier General Ime Okon Bassey, one of the awardees pledged to champion non-kinetic approaches in counterinsurgency efforts.
Also Agba Martha Utsunung, another awardee vowed to intensify grassroots campaigns for increased women’s participation in governance.
“This doctorate is not an end, but a new beginning,” Ginger-Eke concluded. “I am committed to translating academic knowledge into practical change by engaging stakeholders, shaping leadership discourse, and strengthening public institutions for national development.”
