Kabirah Sodunke
Over 200 secondary school prefects from Ogun and Lagos States converged on the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, on Tuesday for a youth leadership clinic aimed at nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
The event, themed “Leaders in Uniform,” was organised by the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) of the University of Abuja, in collaboration with its TETFund Centre of Excellence in Public Governance.
It brought together key stakeholders in education, governance, and youth development — including the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; House of Representatives member, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka; and top academics from the University of Abuja.
In her keynote address, Salako-Oyedele urged the students to embrace leadership built on empathy, humility, and integrity rather than authority and intimidation.
“Leadership is not about titles or power; it’s about respect — for yourself, your peers, and those you serve,” she said. “When you treat people with dignity, they give you their best.”
The deputy governor, who also challenged gender stereotypes, charged both male and female students to see leadership as a shared responsibility.
“Every girl here must know her voice matters. Every boy must understand that true leadership uplifts, not diminishes,” she declared. “Leadership is not about gender; it’s about character, vision, and responsibility.”
Salako-Oyedele reminded the students that leadership is a lifelong journey rooted in values. “Be humble no matter your position. Listen more than you speak. Learn from your teachers, parents, and even those you lead,” she added.
Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who initiated the programme in collaboration with the Abuja Leadership Centre, described the gathering as a seedbed for a new generation of ethical leaders.
“You are not just future leaders — you are leaders of today,” he said. “The Nigeria we dream of begins with you, right here and now.”
He introduced participants to what he termed the “5Cs of Leadership” — Character, Competence, Courage, Clarity, and Coaching — which he said form the foundation for effective leadership and personal growth.
Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Director of Education Support Services, Dr. Mary Akinola, commended the Abuja Leadership Centre and the organisers for their foresight in grooming future leaders.
She highlighted Ogun State’s strides in educational innovation, noting that “Ogun remains the capital of educational digitalisation in Nigeria.”
“Our learners, from primary to tertiary levels, are being equipped with digital and leadership skills to compete globally,” Akinola said. “This initiative complements the state’s vision of raising responsible, technologically driven young citizens.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Coordinator of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Jude Akande, described the programme as part of the Centre’s mission to instil ethical and transformative leadership values across Africa.
“This is more than a programme — it’s a movement,” Akande said. “The future of this nation depends on how intentionally we nurture integrity, courage, and service in our young people.”
The youth leadership clinic featured sessions on leadership ethics, communication, teamwork, and nation-building. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the lessons learnt and pledged to demonstrate better leadership in their schools and communities.
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