President/Chairman, Afreximbank, Dr. Bennett Oruma exchanging ideas on Intra-Africa Trade and Economic Development with Chief Jerry Chukwueke at Executive Leadership Class, Lagos Business School*

 

*President/Chairman, Afreximbank, Dr. Bennett Oruma exchanging ideas on Intra-Africa Trade and Economic Development with Chief Jerry Chukwueke at  Executive Leadership Class, Lagos Business School*

By Sir Amby Uneze

Perfectability is a concept or belief in the capacity for absolute perfection within human achievement. Through the historical lenses of philosophy, literature, and psychology, the notion of seeking perfectability has appeared as a compelling motif, attracting individuals who relentlessly aim for the zenith in their various spheres of influence. This narrative holds true for a remarkable figure of Chief Jerry Chukwueke, the Ohamadike of Owerre, a metaphorical atlas carrying the weight of aspiring to perfection upon his shoulders.

Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Founding Chairman/ Group CEO, Germaine Group in Global CEO-Africa Leadership Programme

In examining Chukwueke's pursuit of perfectability which is a product of genuine leadership, it is important to delve into multiple domains – his personal ethos, professional career, and societal contributions – scrutinizing the complexity and implications inherent in his journey towards the ideal.

*Personal Ethos*

At the foundation of perfection-seeking lies a set of principles and values that shape an individual's way of life. For Jerry Chukwueke, the pursuit of perfectability starts with a cultivated mindset towards continuous improvement. This ethos resonates with the principles outlined by Carol Dweck in her seminal work on the "growth mindset," where she argues for the importance of embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and understanding that effort is the path to mastery.

Dr. Patrick Nderogo, Immediate Past Governor of The Central Bank of Kenya with Chief Jerry Chukwueke and a  fellow colleague of Global CEO-Africa

Within the personal sphere, Jerry Chukwueke's daily routines, self-discipline, and resolute commitment to ever-increasing standards of excellence are reflective of this philosophy. Psychologist Angela Duckworth's research on 'grit,' or the power of passion and perseverance, further underscores Chukwueke's unwavering engagement with his endeavours. The striking correspondence between Chukwueke's personal journey and these psychological insights suggests a fundamental alignment between his life-practice and the scientific understanding of what it takes to strive for excellence.

*Professional Career*

In the labyrinthine corridors of industry and commerce, Jerry Chukwueke's record is illustrative of his dedication to perfectability and sharp leadership skills. His track record as a business leader, innovator, and entrepreneur is punctuated with milestones that reflect a relentless pursuit of refinement and superlative performance. The literature on strategic leadership posits that leaders like Chukwueke who embrace a philosophy of perfection often drive their organizations or public office towards competitive excellence.

Prof. Doyin Salami, Immediate Past Chairman, Presidential Economic Council, Nigeria with Chief Jerry Chukwueke discussing the way forward for Nigeria and Africa Development

No wonder as a scholar at the Lagos Business School (LBS), majoring on applying leadership skills to drive success in business, public entities, governance, etc, he has been deeply schooled in the principle of overcoming barriers in leadership challenges.

Appreciating his experience at LBS, Jerry Chukwueke pondered "I'm very grateful to Lagos Business School. This is the first module for us and our cohorts will move on to Yale University, USA in September and then to Strathmore Business School in Nairobi." He described his sojourn as a great experience, adding that learning demands sharpening of ones leadership skills, knowledge and all other aspects of importance in driving success.

"My biggest takeaway is the great opportunity being offered by the Lekki Seaport. I think it is extraordinary sort of investment. The opportunities it offers for intra-African multi-trading in deploying the seas remains very remarkable.

Carol Musyoka (second left), Academic Director of Strathmore Business School, Nairobi, Kenya with Chief Jerry Chukwueke and other colleagues at the Global Africa CEO Executive Programme

"Look at what has happened (today) with Prof. Benedict Orama, the President/Chairman of Afreximbank. The insights were storming and astonishing. This is what leadership is all about. It is about expanding ones knowledge base. It is also learning how to expand the territories that we must be effective."

Furthermore, the frequent innovation and disruption seen within Chukwueke's business exploits symbolize a refusal to settle for mediocrity, echoing Schumpeter's concept of 'creative destruction' in economic theory: Schumpeter characterized creative destruction as innovations in the manufacturing process that increase productivity, describing it as the "process of industrial mutation that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, and creating a new one." By constantly seeking transformative strategies and improving products and services, Chukwueke demonstrates the dynamic process of reaching for perfectability within the professional and governance domain.

*Societal Contributions*

Jerry Chukwueke's striving for perfectability is not restricted to personal and professional self-improvement but extends to his role in society. The rich tapestry of his philanthropy, advocacy, and community engagement depicts an individual dedicated to societal amelioration. This outward-looking aspect of seeking perfection is in line with the philosophies of major thinkers such as John Stuart Mill, who argued for the greatest happiness principle as a moral benchmark for society.

Patrick Akinwuntan, Academic Director, Lagos Business School (L), Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University (C), and Chief Jerry Chukwueke of Germaine Group

By applying his philosophy of perfectability to social causes, Chukwueke echoes the sentiments of effective altruists, who use evidence and reason to work out how to benefit others as much as possible. His initiatives in promoting societal good and development are manifestations of his belief in a perfectible society, one where structural inequalities are addressed, and opportunities for human development are enhanced.

Conclusion

Jerry Chukwueke's odyssey in seeking perfectability in all spheres of life, including leadership offers a profound case study into the pursuit of the superlative. Through an examination of his personal ethos, professional career, and societal contributions, a multiplex image of perfectability emerges – one that inspires admiration while inviting philosophical reflection.

Chief Jerry Chukwueke with other Colleagues of Global CEO-Africa Executive Programme tagged: "The Transformational Journey"

It is instructive to dwell briefly on the capacity and capability of Chief Jerry Chukwueke's antecedent on leadership prowess. He is a key founder (Germaine Group) of the Lekki Mega City (the fastest megacity in West Africa) alongside Chevron Nigeria and HFP (Victoria Garden City Developer). This outstanding personality was in 1984 voted the most likely to Succeed Student at Morgan State University, Boltimore Graduate School in USA. Also he emerged as top 100 black owned businesses in America in 1990 (Friendship Ford/Mercury), Culpeper Virginia Black Enterprises Magazine, and Founding Director of Food Concept Nigeria Limited (Owners of Chicken Republic). He is visionary, courageous, bold and transformative.

While the full scope of Chukwueke’s impact may be evaluated across various metrics and lenses, what remains unequivocal is his testament to perfectability as a guiding North Star – a beacon that propels him and potentially others towards the realm of what humanity might dare to conceive as its apex.