It is called the $68 million mistake. France ordered more than 1,800 new trains to upgrade their rail system—only to discover that the trains were too wide to fit into hundreds of existing stations. Imagine the embarrassment. Imagine the waste.
Now, before we start pointing fingers at France, let’s be real—these kinds of mistakes happen everywhere. Canada, for example, has had its share of major projects stalled, cancelled, or quietly shelved. Some of it has been due to shifting economic realities, some due to government choices. Billions have been lost in oil, gas, LNG, and pipeline projects that never saw the light of day.
But here’s the point: Failed projects and failed goals happen all over the world. And they’re not just about politics or policies—they’re about leadership and execution. It takes vision to dream of a brighter future, but it takes project management to turn that dream into reality. A leader may carry the fire of vision, but without disciplined execution, that fire burns out instead of lighting the way.
Project management is not just corporate jargon—it’s the structured way we make sure big dreams don’t die in committee meetings. It’s the discipline of planning, executing, and completing projects so that they are delivered: On time, within budget, with the promised quality.
Whether it’s building a pipeline, launching a youth empowerment program, the 40th well drilling project on your street, or creating safer neighborhoods, every major initiative is a project. Sadly if you don’t treat it like one, you’ll end up with half-built bridges, abandoned budgets, or, yes—trains that don’t fit the tracks.
Research shows the cost of poor project management is staggering: Businesses lose about $122 million for every $1 billion spent. That’s money that vanishes into thin air because of poor planning, weak execution, and lack of accountability. Globally, organizations waste about N1 Billion every 20 seconds because of failed projects. That’s not just expensive—it’s devastating.
When I served as a City Councillor, we didn’t just sit around making speeches and drafting visions. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
We had a vision: cleaner streets, safer neighborhoods, bringing in franchises from outside the city, thriving local businesses. But instead of stopping at vision, each department created a strategic plan. Then, we broke those plans down into concrete projects.
Clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), Risk management plans, Defined strategies, Step-by-step actions, Deadlines, Assigned accountability, Project Timelines and more.
This wasn’t paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It was the engine that turned vision into results.
When local governments, businesses and leaders turn their ideas into projects, magic starts to happen! Projects start to work. Results are seen on the streets!
This article isn’t diving into the essence of project management but there are some key essentials you should insist on as a leader.
1. Every project should have a start date, end date, budget, and more in a file you can see and reference regularly.
2. Ensure you can see all projects happening. I once worked with a Bank in Canada that had 140 projects happening at the same time. Ki lo de! The entire team was exhausted.
3. KPIs are your scoreboard. They define success. Without them, you’re just guessing. Whether it’s reducing traffic congestion by 20% or training 500 youths in digital skills, KPIs must be specific, measurable, and connected to your vision.
4. Every project faces risks—budget overruns, staffing challenges, political hurdles. Don’t wait until the fire starts before looking for the extinguisher. Ask: What could go wrong? And what’s our plan if it does?
5. Break it down. Who’s doing what? By when? Start small—small small na him dey catch monkey. Step-by-step execution is how massive visions become reality.
6. A project without deadlines is a ghost—it lingers forever and haunts your team. Deadlines create urgency and accountability. And please, “next quarter” is not a deadline. Be specific.
7. If everyone is responsible, no one is responsible. Assign roles clearly, check in often, celebrate progress, and address setbacks. Accountability is the glue that holds execution together.
Why does this matter? Let’s face it: vision is inspiring, but execution is what changes lives. Purpose gives meaning, vision gives direction, but project management gives results.
In public service, where resources are limited and expectations are high, project management is not optional—it’s survival. It ensures taxpayer money is respected, stakeholder trust is earned, and dreams are turned into deliverables. Project management is what keeps leaders from hallucinating and helps them deliver real, lasting impact.
If you want to be a powerful leader, don’t just cast vision—deliver on it. Don’t just inspire with words—structure them into projects. Don’t just ask people to dream—show them how to win.
I grew up on a street that wasn’t tarred for the first 30 years of my life. Somehow on paper, it was shown to have been tarred twice. Whether you’re leading a city, a business, or even a small community initiative, remember, governance is not a guessing game. It’s a delivery mission.
Until then, plan boldly. Execute wisely. And never forget: vision without management is just noise.
• Owodunni is City Councilor in
Kitchener, Canada
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