By Obadiah Mbila
“…See a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings.” Proverbs 22 vs 29
Chief Sunny Mbila’s leadership style is a valuable subject for the study of leadership in humanity and community development. The aforementioned verse from the Holy Bible accurately portrays the character of an esteemed security professional, intelligence analyst, socialite and community leader.
Hailing from the esteemed lineage of the Very Reverend and Mrs. Ochu Mbila of Ndi Uduma Awoke in Ohafia, Abia State, young Mbila achieved his initial academic milestone by acquiring his first school leaving certificate from Ndi Uduma Awoke in 1970. Subsequently, he pursued his secondary education at Anglican Grammar School, Umuahia. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a first degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from the Lagos State University, Ojo.
His career path began in the Special Branch of the Nigeria Police Force. In 1976, he became one of the pioneer staff members of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO), now known as the Department of State Services (DSS). Chief Mbila attended several security and intelligence courses in USA, Israel and had several local and continental workshops and training.
During his 35-year service period in DSS, Chief Mbila made several outstanding contributions. He was appointed to take charge of Villa security as the Villa Security Officer (VSO) and commanded the Presidential Strike Force in the Villa during the transition period to democratically elected government by the military in 1999.
He coordinated the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Centre of the DSS in 2003, and was instrumental to the setting up of the Counter-Terrorism Unit for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) of South Africa in 2004. He also co-directed a high-level bilateral covert operation, Counter-Terrorism Operations Platform (CTOP), involving the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of America and the DSS in 2005. Chief Mbila served in various capacities in the DSS, including the leadership of state commands as the director of security, before retiring meritoriously in 2010.
Currently, Chief Mbila is engaged in high-level security consulting and is the chairman and CEO of Abuja-based AMSY Nationwide Ltd. He is also the current president-general Ania Ohafia Union Inc., where he is galvanising all resources to take communities in ANIA and Ohafia to the next level.
Due to his trustworthy and dependable leadership style, as well as his exceptional commitment to the development of the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, the Council of Ohafia Monarchs and the Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council have honored Chief Sunny Mbila with several chieftaincy titles. These titles include: Ugwumba Ohafia, Ebulu-Ukwu Ohafia, and Onwa ANIA, Ohafia.
Additionally, he has received recognition and been bestowed the prestigious title of a Noble Count (Obichie) of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom by the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, led by His Royal Paramountcy, Prof. E.U.L. Imaga (the Udumeze of Ohafia). The Amaekpu Ohafia Community also conferred on him a chieftaincy title of Ugo Oma na Mba, and the Inyom Ndi Uduma Awoke recognised his contributions both morally and financially towards the development of their community and bestowed on him the Ochiagha of Inyom Odum.
Chief Mbila is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), where his late father was a leading minister, and has contributed immensely to the growth of the church. Various churches have recognised his tireless efforts in the propagation of God’s work in Nigeria and have accorded him honours and awards, including: Father of Faith by the Synod of the North of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, during the celebration of the PCN 175th anniversary.
Besides his achievements in professional and community development, Chief Mbila is an avid squash player and a socialite par excellence. He is happily married to Doris and blessed with three children, Deborah, Nnanna and Ogbonne.
Chief Mbila’s character is best described by his attribute of diligence, empathy, humility and self-confidence. In my opinion, Chief Sunny Mbila is a dependable leader who wholeheartedly dedicates himself to the achievement of humanity and community development.
May the Almighty God continue to bless him and be by his side now and forever.
