I am of the conviction that a Chief Executive must be able to document experiences gathered in the organization he/she super-intended over. Such an effort would provide lessons to be learnt, mistakes to avoid, challenges faced and suggestions for the future. Furthermore, it would guide the incoming Chief Executive as well as provide a compendium memory for the organization. In accepting the appointment as Director General and running the Institute for almost 10 years, I must thank most sincerely Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo who persuaded me only to apply for the position and also supported me through pieces of advice and encouragement even when he was no longer the Governor of t.he Central Bank of Nigeria.
Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Alade's unflinching support remains unquantifiable. She was the rock of the Institute. She was always ready to offer advice, make suggestions and convince the Central Bank to fully support the Institute. She did this in ways too numerous to mention. Her insistence that certain courses be earmarked for WAIFEM helped in no small measure in sustaining the Institute financially. It is my hope that I tried to leave up to the expectations of both Prof. Chnkwuma Soludo and Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Alade. The support of all the Chairmen and the Board from 2009 - 2018 not only strengthen the management and staff of WAIFEM but also re?ected the resolve of the Board to ensure the success of the Institute. Their contributions to the building of capacity in the sub-region in particular and development in general cannot be over emphasized. The continuous success of the Institute would cement sacri?ces made by the Board. I wish to acknowledge the various donors particularly the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) for its steadfastness and commitment to capacity building in the Sub-Sahara Africa. The collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, UNITAR and others have enhanced the visibility and credibility of the Institute.
I appreciate immensely the supportive role of management and staff especially their hardworking capabilities and team spirit. Let us keep and sustain the WAIFEM family for posterity. It is customary to say that all errors are owned by me. However, let us collectively own any omission (s). Let me also appreciate my wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Njeril Mbaka Ekpo and family for their support during my tenure in WAIFEM. They tolerated my frequent absence due to exigencies of work. It is my desire that all those involve in capacity building and training in whatever form would ?nd this book which examines my experiences at WAIFEM compulsory reading.
Akpan H. Ekpo,