Editi Effiong: A Case Study
I had barely joined Anakle for a short stint, circa June 2016, when I met Editi Effiòng. Few days after I had resumed, he walked in and I had a rude shock. No Mai Atafo 3-piece suit? No white Agbada with red cap? No driver behind him carrying briefcase? None of that. Just a CEO from Akwa Ibom, in his Polo, Jeans, loafers and his work bag around his shoulder. I had a very rude shock but I somehow tried to overlook his modesty and focus on the man. Later that day, we had a little chat, being that I was the new guy, and that conversation laid the foundation for what has been an Inspiring journey knowing him.

Editi turned a year older yesterday and it had me thinking on how someone so young has achieved so much and the lessons therein. He heads a Digital Agency and a very successful one at that fact. He’s worked with some of Nigeria’s biggest brands. He’s created careers. He’s been a leader in every sense of the word and his daily job? He Inspires. Yes, that’s what he comes to the office to do every day. Inspire! With every meeting, email and spoken word, he Inspires.
Truth is, I don’t know Editi that well, but I believe I know him well enough to at least inspire someone with his brilliance. During my Internship last year, I barely had any conversations with Editi. Suffice to say we only got to speak personally on the first day I met him and on my last day. Anything in between had to do with either work or a conversation that involved a bunch of other people. But then, there was this one time I had his attention for an hour. That was enough. It was all I needed.
So, a certain client was launching a new product and needed an OVC for its digital campaign. I worked solely on that brand, so I had to come to the office on a Sunday to create scripts. It was Editi, Lady O and myself. First few minutes of being in the meeting room, and it was all banter per usual. Few jokes shared and it was time to get down to work.
Editi began narrating a story, a very compelling one. We listened keenly as he went on and on, still trying to figure out where he was getting at. Did I leave my house on a Sunday afternoon to hear Editi narrate what was at the time a very cool story (Every pun intended) ? I didn’t think so. As he went on, It started to make sense. This was the Script. This was a full product documentary he had just narrated of the top of his head in about 10mins. Surreal.
You see, Editi with each passing day, has told a story with his life, that is if you’ve been paying attention. Very compelling stories. Story of a young man from Akwa Ibom with dreams, who moved to Lagos, started as an employee, resigned, started his own company, ran it successfully and is now an employer of people.
Story of a young man with dreams to be the best, regardless of what it takes. Story of genuine humility. Story of true leadership. Story of selflessness. And the truest of them all? A story of Family, that just by being a member of his team, you’re family by extension.
Congratulations are truly in order for you, Editi. You’ve achieved what many wake up in the morning to, realising it’s all a dream. You’ve touched lives in many ways people with more resources haven’t. You’ve impacted a generation. And you know the best part? You have Lived, lived to the fullest.
Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for Inspiring a generation and being oh so humble while at it. Thank you for your midas touch. Thank you, Sir.
Happy birthday Editi. Here’s to another 3(none of your damn business) years to come.
From the Spy who couldn’t be a Spy to save his life.
