Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa
Character is the missing infrastructure.
I help leaders, families and nations close the character gap.
Development scholar, author, speaker and certified relationship and life coach, based in Plateau State, Nigeria.
PhD candidate in Global Development · Author of three books · Certified relationship and life coach · About 20 years forming leaders · 23 partner denominations · 27 Nigerian states and 9 countries
The big idea
We have enough capable leaders. We need more good ones.
Nigeria is not short of brilliant people. Our graduates compete anywhere in the world, and our professionals run hospitals, banks and companies across the globe. So why do so many of our institutions still fail the people they exist to serve?
After two decades of work with communities, churches, young people and public leaders, my answer is simple. Our problem is rarely a lack of capacity. It is a gap in character. Competence gets you the position. Character decides what you do with it.
The good news is that character can be formed deliberately. That is my life’s work.
How I can help
Speak. Counsel. Equip.
Speak
Keynotes, workshops and retreats on character, leadership, nation building, peace and family life, for churches, government, corporates, NGOs and universities.
Counsel
Confidential counselling and coaching for couples, individuals, pastors and young people. Online Tuesday to Friday, onsite in Jos on Friday and Saturday.
Equip
Courses, books and programmes that form leaders who can be trusted, starting with the Closing the Character Gap certificate.
Books
Ideas for leaders, families and nations that refuse to settle.
BOOK COVER
Love Nigeria
Love Nigeria
A call to love Nigeria enough to take responsibility for building it.
BOOK COVER
Transformative Leadership
Transformative Leadership
Leadership that changes people, institutions and public policy, not just titles.
Coming soon: The Character Gap (mid 2027) · The Field of Change · The Obadiah Paradigm · It Is Time for Africa
From the gallery
In the field
Two decades of forming leaders, families and communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Latest thinking
From The Formation Journal and Durkwa Speaks
Podcast
Durkwa Speaks
Honest conversations about character, leadership, family and the future of Africa.
Episode 1: Why I Talk About Character
What people say
Trusted by leaders, couples and communities
TESTIMONIALS PLACEHOLDER · Rotating slider of 3 to 6 quotes with name, role and organisation. Client to supply testimonials with written permission.
Free resource
How wide is your character gap?
Take the free Character Gap Self-Assessment: 20 honest statements in 5 areas, about 7 minutes, and a personal report in your inbox.