The dire state of leadership in Nigeria has been identified as a significant impediment to the nation’s progress and development. This assertion was made by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, during his keynote address at the Youth Leadership Clinic 2025, an event organized by postgraduate students of the University of Abuja in collaboration with the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership. The Governor, speaking through a representative, Joy Adesina (SAN), a student of Public Governance and Leadership at the Abuja Leadership Centre, argued that true leadership transcended the mere possession of power, emphasizing instead the importance of leveraging influence and action to bring about positive transformation. He highlighted key qualities of effective leadership, including courage, vision, empathy, and integrity, urging students to cultivate these attributes and actively participate in leadership roles.
Governor Okpebholo’s call to action resonated with the overall theme of the clinic, which focused on shaping the future through youth leadership development. He encouraged the students, drawn from selected secondary schools in Benin, to identify their strengths, establish clear goals, take proactive steps, voice their opinions, and ultimately become the leaders Edo State desperately needs. The Governor’s message underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the trajectory of the state and the nation, emphasizing the need for early investment in leadership development to secure a brighter future. The clinic served as a platform to instill these vital leadership principles in the young participants, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.
The Youth Leadership Clinic 2025 highlighted the shared concern among educators and policymakers regarding the leadership deficit plaguing Nigeria. Professor Philip Afaha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Abuja and Team Lead of the program, lamented the prevalent practice of individuals assuming leadership responsibilities without prior preparation, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future leaders from a young age. He urged the participating students to seize the opportunity presented by the training, recognizing its potential to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective leaders. Furthermore, he pledged scholarships to outstanding participants, demonstrating a commitment to fostering and rewarding leadership excellence.
Professor Gabriel Moti, Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, reinforced the critical nature of the leadership challenge confronting Nigeria, highlighting the recurring pattern of leadership failures. He emphasized the clinic’s deliberate focus on instilling leadership values in young people early on, recognizing the transformative potential of early intervention in shaping future leaders. This proactive approach aimed to break the cycle of unprepared leadership by equipping young individuals with the necessary qualities and skills from the outset, thereby laying a solid foundation for effective leadership in the years to come. The clinic represented a strategic investment in the future of leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, also expressed strong support for the initiative, commending its targeted approach towards addressing the nation’s leadership deficit. Represented by Kenneth Eguakun, Dr. Iyamu affirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Abuja Leadership Centre to ensure the sustainability of the training program. This commitment underscored the importance placed by the state government on investing in youth leadership development as a key strategy for driving progress and addressing the critical leadership gap. The partnership between the state government and the Centre signaled a collaborative effort to cultivate a new generation of capable and ethical leaders.
The Youth Leadership Clinic 2025 benefited from the contributions of experienced facilitators, including former Edo State Commissioner for Information and House of Representatives member, Abdul Oroh, and ex-lawmaker Patrick Ikhariale. Their involvement added significant weight to the program, providing the students with valuable insights and practical knowledge drawn from their extensive experience in leadership roles. This mentorship component further enriched the learning experience, offering participants the opportunity to learn from seasoned leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of leadership. The clinic’s comprehensive approach, combining theoretical instruction with practical insights and mentorship, aimed to equip the young participants with the necessary tools to become effective and transformative leaders.
