REVIEWSNETWORK@CHANNELSTELEVISION.NG | SUNRISE |I Will Use My New Position To Bring Development To My Community | Okey Bakassi

This video, courtesy Channels Television features Okey Bakassi, a well-known comedian and entertainer, who has recently been appointed as a traditional ruler in his community. In the interview, he discusses his transition into leadership, acknowledging that while he saw leadership responsibilities coming in his life, he did not anticipate this particular role. He emphasizes that entertainers, like professionals in other fields, should not be excluded from leadership positions.

Okey Bakassi reassures that despite his new position, he will continue his entertainment career, though with some adjustments. He sees his influence as an opportunity to promote development in his community by leveraging his connections, experience, and visibility. He also expresses his commitment to spending more time with his people and bridging the gap between the local community and those in the diaspora to encourage development.

He highlights the importance of engaging young people in cultural preservation, stating that leadership must communicate in a language they understand. His goal is to make cultural traditions more appealing, especially by integrating entertainment and modern platforms. Additionally, he acknowledges that his role will now require him to be more selective about the types of projects he takes on.

Overall, Okey Bakassi aims to use his elevated position to foster development, maintain his passion for entertainment, and ensure a positive impact on his people.

Okey Bakassi touched on following key themes in this engagement:

1. Leadership and Responsibility: He acknowledged the transition into his new role as a traditional ruler, emphasizing that leadership comes with responsibilities and sacrifices.
2. Entertainment and Influence: He defended the idea that entertainers, like professionals in other fields, can hold leadership positions and still maintain their careers. He stressed that his entertainment career has given him a platform that he can now leverage to develop his community.
3. Community Development: He expressed his commitment to improving his community by using his visibility and connections. He highlighted the need to create opportunities and bridge the gap between local residents and those in the diaspora who want to contribute but lack trust in existing structures.
4. Cultural Preservation and Youth Engagement: He emphasized the importance of making cultural traditions more appealing to young people. He believes leadership must communicate with them in a way they understand and integrate modern platforms to keep traditions alive.
5. Sacrifice and Adaptation: He admitted that while he will continue his entertainment career, he will be more selective about the types of projects he takes on to align with his new role.

Overall, he aims to merge his influence as an entertainer with his new leadership position to foster positive change.

Okey Bakassi’s approach to leadership and community development can be applied to other communities in the following ways:

1. Leveraging Influence for Growth: Just like Bakassi plans to use his visibility and connections to develop his community, other leaders—whether in entertainment, business, or academia—can use their networks to attract investment and attention to their hometowns.
2. Bridging the Gap Between Local and Diaspora Communities: Many communities struggle to engage their members living abroad. Establishing trustworthy systems that allow those in the diaspora to invest in local projects can encourage development and minimize resource mismanagement.
3. Reviving and Modernizing Cultural Traditions: Making traditions engaging for younger generations is crucial. Leaders in other communities can adopt Bakassi’s idea of using modern platforms and entertainment to keep culture alive while making it accessible to youth.
4. Encouraging Professionals to Take Up Leadership Roles: Bakassi highlighted how professionals—doctors, engineers, lawyers, and entertainers—should not shy away from leadership. More skilled individuals should be encouraged to serve in governance and development, ensuring competence in decision-making.
5. Balancing Career and Leadership Responsibilities: Bakassi intends to continue his entertainment career while serving his community, demonstrating that leadership does not mean abandoning one's passion. Other communities can encourage leaders who integrate their expertise into governance.
6. Building Trust to Reduce Insecurity: By creating credible structures and fostering strong leadership, communities can build trust among their members, leading to more stability and economic progress.

Adopting these strategies can empower communities to thrive while maintaining their identity and traditions.

Media platforms have widely covered Okey Bakassi’s appointment as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Imo State, highlighting various perspectives:

1. Cultural Significance – His coronation was celebrated as a major event in Igbo tradition, marking his transition from entertainment to leadership.
2. Public Reaction – Many have expressed admiration for his intelligence and ability to balance his career with his new role. Some commenters have humorously questioned whether he will continue making jokes as a ruler.
3. Leadership Vision – Bakassi has emphasized his commitment to community development, leveraging his influence to attract investment and bridge the gap between local residents and those in the diaspora.
4. Entertainment Meets Tradition – His appointment has sparked discussions on whether entertainers can successfully take on leadership roles. Some believe his background in comedy will make his reign engaging, while others wonder if he will be taken seriously.
5. Historical Context – He is the second monarch to receive the revered Okwe title, signifying continuity in his community’s royal leadership.
6. Social Media Buzz – His coronation has generated significant online engagement, with fans and colleagues congratulating him and discussing the implications of his new role.

Okey Bakassi’s leadership as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Imo State is expected to bring several transformative changes:

1. Community Development – Bakassi has expressed his commitment to leveraging his influence and connections to attract investment and development to his community. His goal is to bridge the gap between local residents and those in the diaspora who want to contribute but lack trust in existing structures.
2. Cultural Revival – He aims to make cultural traditions more appealing to younger generations by integrating entertainment and modern platforms. His background in comedy and media will likely help in packaging cultural heritage in a way that resonates with youth.
3. Leadership Innovation – His appointment challenges traditional perceptions of leadership, proving that professionals from various fields—including entertainment—can take on governance roles. This could inspire other communities to embrace unconventional leaders.
4. Economic Growth – By increasing visibility for his community, Bakassi hopes to attract tourism, business opportunities, and infrastructural development. His leadership could create new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
5. Youth Engagement – He has emphasized the importance of communicating with young people in a language they understand. His leadership style may encourage more youth participation in governance and community-building efforts.
6. Trust and Stability – His credibility and public recognition may help foster trust within the community, reducing insecurity and encouraging collaboration among residents and stakeholders.

Many entertainers have successfully transitioned into leadership roles, using their influence and skills to drive change. Below are a few notable examples:

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger – The Hollywood actor became the Governor of California, leveraging his popularity and leadership skills to implement policies on climate change and economic reform.
2. Volodymyr Zelenskyy – Before becoming President of Ukraine, he was a comedian and actor. His background in entertainment helped him connect with the public and communicate effectively during crises.
3. Ronald Reagan – A former actor who later became the 40th President of the United States, proving that charisma and public speaking skills can be assets in governance.
4. George Weah – A former football star who became President of Liberia, using his global recognition to advocate for youth development and economic growth.
5. Donald Trump – A television personality and businessman who transitioned into politics, serving as the 45th President of the United States.
6. Manny Pacquiao – The boxing champion entered politics in the Philippines, serving as a senator and advocating for social welfare programs.

These figures demonstrate that entertainers can bring unique perspectives to leadership, often excelling in communication, public engagement, and policy advocacy. Okey Bakassi’s leadership could follow a similar path, blending entertainment with governance to foster development.

Below are some of the comments viewers have made about Okey Bakassi’s interview and his new role as a traditional ruler:

1. Admiration for His Intelligence – Many viewers praised Bakassi for his intelligence, humility, and ability to articulate his vision for leadership.
2. Excitement About His Transition – Some expressed joy at seeing an entertainer take on a leadership role, calling it a welcome development.
3. Cultural Significance – Several comments highlighted the importance of his appointment in preserving Igbo traditions and leadership structures.
4. Humor and Leadership Balance – Some viewers joked about whether Bakassi would continue making people laugh while serving as a ruler.
5. Calls for Respect – A few commenters pointed out that the hosts should address him with the proper royal titles, emphasizing the need to honor his new position.
6. Prayers and Well-Wishes – Many wished him a long and prosperous reign, expressing hope that his leadership would bring positive change to his community.