By Stephen Adeleye
The University of Abuja Centre on Thursday trained secondary school students in Kogi on leadership skills that could turn them into agents of national unity and good governance in the country.
Prof. Philip Dahida, Director, University of Abuja Leadership Centre, said that the training was aimed at equipping young people with leadership skills and values to enable them to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Dahida emphasised that the training would help young people to acquire necessary skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles.
Represented by Prof. Adewale Banjo, the director stressed that leadership begins at home and that young people should be taught leadership traits from an early age.
“Leadership traits are essential for driving developmental agenda at all levels of society.
“You need a strong foundation, sound education, and the right values to provide effective leadership at all levels,” he said.
According to him, the clinic is funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Centre for Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership.
Earlier, Dr Japhet Omaye, Coordinator of Kogi/Kwara Youth Leaders’ Clinic, said the initiative aims to raise emerging transformational leaders through mentorship programmes.
“We want to empower young people with leadership skills and values to enable them to become agents of national unity, transformation, and cohesion for governance,” Omaye said.
Participants were encouraged to demonstrate improved understanding of leadership values, show confidence in decision-making and problem-solving, and commit to mentorship and ethical leadership practices.
Two trainees, Nicholas Omede, Headboy of GYB Model Science Secondary School, Lokoja, and Anita Idris from Scintillate Int’l School, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the clinic.
The duo promised to impart the knowledge and skills gained to their peers and become agents of transformation in their communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 1-day training tagged “Youth Leadership Clinic (YLC)” saw the convergence of young minds from different schools in Kogi.
NAN also reports that the theme of the training is “Empowering The Next Generation Leaders”, featured quiz competition as well as expert speakers, who share insights on leadership, citizenship, and civic responsibility, among other topics.
The clinic also featured sessions on traits of effective leaders, citizenship and civic responsibility, the roles of youth in nation-building, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making, among others. NAN
