Why I don’t publicise my legacy projects, achievements — Enone Servant Agbese

The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has explained why he rarely publicises his projects or boasts about his achievements in office, attributing his approach to the values instilled in him by his upbringing in Agila, Benue State.

Agbese, who represents the Enone Federal Constituency, said lessons from his grandfather, a former district head, shaped his outlook on leadership, humility, generosity and his relationship with the people.

In a recent interview, the lawmaker said his grandfather insisted on raising him despite his parents living less than 100 metres away, explaining that the decision was influenced by family beliefs and concerns about his behaviour as a child.

“People have asked many times why I don’t talk about my numerous projects or boast about the much that I have accomplished in many years,” Agbese said.

He recalled that, as a child, he was unusually generous, sometimes giving away items belonging to his mother to make other children happy.

“My parents were not comfortable with my foolish habits as a child. I was being generous with things not belonging to me. I was looting my mum to make other children happy,” he said.

According to Agbese, those experiences contributed to tensions within the family, while his grandfather used the opportunity to instil in him values and a strong sense of identity rooted in Agila.

The lawmaker said his grandfather repeatedly described Agila as a nation, a lesson he said continues to influence his outlook on the community and its people.

“My grandfather taught me great things about Agila and he always emphasised that Agila is a nation,” he said.

Agbese also disclosed that, before entering elective politics, he informed his uncles, Chief Dan Agbese and Chief Mike Onoja, that he intended to become a radical voice for Agila.

He said Onoja was the first prominent individual to invest in his initial election campaign and had continued to support him.

“In my meeting with both personalities before my election, I told them I was going to be a radical Agila figure,” he said.

The lawmaker described himself as a revolutionary who nevertheless believes in humility, kindness and respect for elders, saying his cultural upbringing discourages him from speaking carelessly about others.

“But to be serious, I am a revolutionary. A humble, kind and gentle one. I don’t talk too much because we are not allowed to insult elders as a true Agila-born,” he said.

Agbese also explained his approach to money, dismissing concerns about the possibility of experiencing financial difficulties because of his generosity.

He argued that personal savings alone cannot guarantee security, adding that he would rather use his resources to bring happiness to others than focus exclusively on accumulating wealth.

“My brother, anyone can be broke. So, what you keep for yourself cannot save you,” he said.

The lawmaker cited his political mentor, Senator George Akume, as an influence on his attitude towards money, claiming that Akume does not retain money in a bank account for long periods.

“He can be broke and be rich in one day and at the same time. I don’t care about money. I prefer to be foolish when it comes to money,” Agbese said.

He also expressed pride in his Agila identity, describing himself as one of the few public figures who were born in the community, grew up there and continue to identify closely with it.

“Why they call me ‘Made in Agila’? Well, I am one of the few practitioners today who was born in Agila, grew up in Agila and is still Agila by fortune,” he said.

Agbese’s remarks offer an insight into the personal and cultural influences behind his approach to public life, including his preference for limited publicity about his achievements, his emphasis on generosity and his strong identification with his community.