Enuma Charles

Strengthening Institutional Capacity Through Evidence-Based Reform and Strategic Leadership

“The AIG PLP’s world-class training, focus on adaptive leadership, evidence-based policymaking, and innovation in governance directly align with the challenges I face in my role. I am particularly drawn to its emphasis on integrity, accountability, and service excellence, which reflect my own values as a public servant.”– Enuma Charles, Deputy Director, Department of Health Planning Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State. 

Enuma Charles, Deputy Director at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, applied for the AIG Public Leaders Programme to strengthen his capacity to lead reforms that directly improve citizens’ lives. 

“Over the years, I have seen how capable leadership can transform institutions and improve citizens’ lives, while leadership gaps hinder progress and weaken trust. This motivated me to seek opportunities to build my leadership capacity,” he says. 

Since completing the programme, he has continued to leverage his learning drive results. He coordinated a cross-departmental initiative to improve service delivery in Nigeria’s health sector. He also led a healthcare financing policy review in which has shaped decisions that impact people directly.  

“Most importantly, I have championed accountability and merit-based performance recognition within my department, which has improved motivation and professionalism. These advancements clearly reflect the practical impact of my AIG PLP experience on my career and institution,” he affirmed. 

Speaking on the impact of the AIG PLP on his career, he affirmed that he was elected as the State Chapter Chairman of his professional association, providing him with the opportunity to stretch his impact even further. 

His reform project, “Building Capacity of Procurement Officers to Improve Compliance, Efficiency, and Transparency in Public Procurement Across MDAs in Bayelsa State,” has already delivered significant impact. Procurement compliance has improved, irregularities reduced, and timelines shortened by up to 30%, enabling faster project execution and more efficient use of public resources. 

By fostering a culture of integrity and creating a peer-support network of procurement officers, his reform project is ensuring sustainability and setting higher standards for governance. With more public funds saved rather than squandered, citizens have more trust in government and benefit from improved service delivery. 

Through the AIG PLP, Enuma is proving how empowered leaders can strengthen institutions, deliver reforms, and improve outcomes for citizens.