Sunny Echono: Celebrating A Technocrat At 63

By Paul Onehi

Sunny Echono, a seasoned technocrat and public servant, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Echono has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian civil service, holding various key positions in different government agencies. His commitment to excellence and dedication to public service have earned him recognition and respect both within Nigeria and internationally.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON (born 16 December 1962) is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the 9th Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Echono’s career in the civil service began over three decades ago, and he has since risen through the ranks to become one of the most respected and influential figures in the Nigerian bureaucracy. He has served in various capacities, including as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Echono’s leadership and management skills have been instrumental in driving positive change and development in these key sectors.

One of Echono’s key strengths is his ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems and drive effective policy implementation. His strategic vision and innovative approach to problem-solving have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that have had a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Echono’s leadership has been characterized by a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and efficiency, which has helped to improve service delivery and governance in the sectors he has overseen.
Echono’s commitment to excellence and professionalism has not gone unnoticed.

He has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to public service and governance. His dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Nigeria have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.

As Echono celebrates his 63rd birthday, It is supposedly a special day in the eyes of his family, colleagues, subordinates and friends. Also it is important to reflect on his contributions to the development of Nigeria and to acknowledge the impact that he has had on the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Echono has been very intense on issues of due process and effective service delivery. The system he inherited was fraught with entrenched power blocs which determined the running of the organisation to the detriment of its core vision. Echono has been uncompromising in his insistence that the institution must be run strictly according to the books.

His legacy as a technocrat and public servant will continue to inspire future generations of civil servants and leaders to strive for excellence and to serve their country with integrity and dedication.
His trophy-chest brims with glittering medals, gleaming plaques, glossy trophies, and beaming mementos, awarded to him by several groups and associations, through the years. These acknowledgments are for inimitable altruism, selfless leadership and exemplary corporate governance, despite the odds.

Echono’s 63rd birthday is a time to celebrate the achievements of a true technocrat and public servant. His dedication to public service, his commitment to excellence, and his leadership in driving positive change have made him a role model for aspiring civil servants and leaders. As Nigeria continues on its path to development and progress, Sunny Echono’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who seek to make a difference in the service of their country.