The Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA) impacted leadership knowledge for youth capacity development in a three-day workshop training and quality time empowerment.
IGLSA made this known through a Communique Issued At The End of A Three-day Governance And Leadership Mentoring Clinic for Emerging Youth Leaders Held At The Nigerian Army Resource Center, Asokoro, Abuja From 5TH To 7th December, 2022.
The Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA) organized a three-day program tagged “Governance and Leadership Mentoring Clinic for Emerging Youth Leaders in Nigeria was done as the future of the next generation was in view.
According to communique the Theme of the workshop was tagged: “Developing A Critical Mass of Emerging African Youth Leaders With 21st Century Leadership and Governance Capabilities”
In the communique analysis, the group cited that the mission was to prepare the youth self actualization, while noting that the Objectives of the Clinic
is to develop a critical mass of Nigerian youth leaders with capacity and skills in leadership and governance, IGLSA said further that it was done to establish an alumni structure of the mentees of the programme with a view to providing a national platform for sustainability, mutual reinforcement and attracting attention to issues of governance and leadership.
“To encourage greater investments and focus on leadership and governance by both the government and non-state sector”.
“To enhance the interest of Nigerian leaders through volunteering to serve as mentors and or support the project by providing necessary funding” the communique stated.
The event was graced by various degree of highly important personalities.
Over 50 Participants drawn from various youths’ organizations such as Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, clubs and associations and the media were selected from across the 36 states of the Federation and Abuja.
The program which was declared opened by Adamawa State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in his Keynote Address observed that “a major factor which had assailed development in the country, and indeed, in Africa was the severe gap in the capacities for governance and leadership by successor generations.
On his own part, the Director-General of IGLSA, Dr. Lanre Adebayo during his welcome remarks said youth development and capacity building cannot be over emphasize.
In his opening remarks, Professor Nuhu O. Yaqub, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, who served as the Chairman of the Day One charges the participants to take the Clinic seriousness, noting that every good leader is a good learner.
A special presentation on the topic: Democracy, Development and National Security was made by Major General K.A Role (Rtd) former GOC, 1 Mechanized Infantry Division, Nigerian Army. And Goodwill messages were delivered from the National Youth Council of Nigeria and some media practitioners.
The first technical paper on the topic Understanding the Role of Multilateral Organizations in Development and Poverty Eradication Programme was delivered by Mr. Emmanuel Akinwumi, the President and CEO of Financing and Partnerships Africa limited. Day 1 Session closed with interactive session on the papers and speeches and constitution of Syndicate Groups on GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP, presentations were made by leaders of the two syndicate groups. Participants were divided into two Syndicate groups to deliberate on the following:
Leadership: definition, features, impact and responsibility of leadership
Governance Definition, characteristics, purposes and impact of good governance.
Day Two saw Mr. Ayodele Folayan, Former Federal Permanent Secretary delivered the first paper titled; Policy Processes, Management and National Development. Mr. Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, National Program Manager, United Kingdom UKaid Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, PERL, delivered another paper on the topic; Principles, Processes and Practice of Governance
Some invited guests listed below also shared their experiences about leadership and governance
Comrade Wale Ajani, Former President of National Youth Council of Nigeria
Ambassador Dr. Chema Chikwe, Former Minister of Aviation and Former Nigeria High Commissioner to Ireland
Dr. Hope Uweja, Country Director. Results for Development (R4D) Nigeria
Dr. Sina Fagbenro-Bryon
Solomon Adodo, President, National Youth Council of Nigeria
Professor Nuhu O. Yaqub, former Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Nigeria
The Day 3 Session was opened with reviews and presentations by all participants, which each giving an appraisal of the previous two days. This was preceded by presentation and adoption of communique as well as presentation of certificate to participants
Other issues discussed at the Syndicate level were:
Improving youths’ participation in governance
Making the Nigerian youths demand accountability from their leaders.
Participation of youths and media organizations in fostering good governance.
OBSERVATIONS:
The two Syndicate Groups formally presented their reports and recommendations to the final plenary of the Workshop. After robust discussions on issues relating to leadership and governance as it affects youth involvements, participants made the following observations:
That this type of leadership and governance Clinic should be a continuous event
That youths should be advised to shun violence and anti-social acts and rather engage and contribute to the political process in the country
That leaving the country is not the best option for development, instead, youths are advised to stay behind to develop the country
That there is a wide gap between the Nigerian leaders and the youths which needs to be filled by policy of mentors and mentees.
RECOMENDATION
Participants at the Clinic recommend that the IGLSA should embark on more membership drive so as to serve its deserving purpose in Nigeria and Africa at large. This, according to participants will go a long way in preparing Nigerians youths for good leadership role.
Participants recommend that the government, private organizations, diplomatic corps and donor organizations should embrace this initiative by supporting IGLSA to build more capacity and to sustain the initiative.
Mohammed Bougei Attah, NGO Network, Kaduna
Wale Abideen
Secutiry Monitor, Lagos
