Don’t Be Afraid to Learn Something New A naval officer becomingMinister for Agriculture and laterMinister for Health might seem an unlikely journey. But public service often means moving beyond what you already know, asking the right questions and surrounding yourself with people who take initiative and understand the work. Fromhis life: His career took him from the bridge of a naval ship to the Cabinet table. He served as Chief of Naval Staff, took on national emergency assignments, becameMinister for Agriculture, laterMinister for Health, and also served in Parliament. The subject matter changed, but the discipline, organisation and leadership he had learnt in the Navy went with him. DoWork That Can Continue Without You Good public service should leave something behind. Programmes, stronger institutions and systems that continue long after you have moved on are often more important than having your name remembered. Fromhis life: AsMinister for Agriculture, he formulated the Ten-YearMediumTermAgricultural Development Programme (MTADP) and secured support from international development partners to strengthen theMinistry’s Extension and Crop Services Departments. And decades later, National Farmers’ Day is still celebrated. Both are reminders that some of the best work in public service is the work that carries on after you have left. KnowWhen the Job Is Done Public office does not last forever, and it should not define your entire life. The position changes, the office passes to someone else, but your values, relationships and reputation remain. Fromhis life: Commodore Obimpehmoved through many chapters: naval officer, Chief of Naval Staff, national coordinator, minister andMember of Parliament. He served in different capacities when called upon, and when each chapter ended, he moved on to the next. Perhaps this is the biggest lesson of all: serve when you are called, give the work your best, and when it is time to leave, leave knowing you did your part. 3 4 5 The Birthday Journal 41
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