The lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/South East federal constituency, Rep. Abass Adigun Agboworin, on Thursday, urged students to remain steadfast in their pursuit of quality education and develop leadership skill.
The students were participants in the Youth Leader’s Clinic programme of the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), University of Abuja, which was organised by students of Ph.D and Masters in Public Governance and Leadership, Policy & Strategic Studies and Military Studies.
Agboworin, a two-term lawmaker, who is also a post-graduate student of Public Governance and Leadership of the university, emphasized on good governance and effective leadership.
The programme, themed ‘Empowering the next generation of leaders’, brought together selected secondary school prefects from Oyo and Osun states, with the aim of equipping them with leadership skills and knowledge to become future leaders.
The event was held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate, Iwo road, Ibadan, and featured prominent speakers, including Prof. Banjo Adewale, a UNESCO Scholar, and Prof. Remi Adeyemo, Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan.
In his remarks, Agboworin stressed the importance of good governance and leadership, highlighting key principles such as equity, accountability, transparency, and effective resource management.
He urged the students to stay motivated and never give up on their dreams, noting that many of them will hold leadership positions in the future.
He said: “Many of you will hold leadership positions tomorrow, but the foundation of it all is to acquire education.
“Good governance and leadership are critical to national development, and it is essential that you, as future leaders, are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to drive positive change.”
Agboworin emphasized the need for leaders to be accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of their people.
“Leaders must be willing to listen, be approachable, and be transparent in their dealings. They must also be accountable to their people and ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently,” he added.
Prof. Banjo Adewale, in his opening speech, stressed the importance of leadership and a solid foundation in shaping the future of individuals and nations.
He urged the students to take their education seriously and adhere to rules and regulations.
In his words: “The government has recognised that leadership is everything. Though we may have resources, but a nation without good leadership will always fail.
“You will become leaders of tomorrow, and you need a solid foundation, which starts from home. So, take home lessons very seriously. Without home training, there is no future.”
The programme featured presentations and discussions on nation-building, leadership, and governance, with participants drawn from various secondary schools in Ibadan, including Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Adekile Goodwill Grammar School, and Oba Akinbiyi Model College, among others.
The Abuja Leadership Centre’s Youth Leader’s Clinic programme is designed to empower the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in their communities and the nation at large.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Bar. Abdul Ramon Adebayo Lawal, who was represented by the Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Chief Yemi Aderibigbe, Commissioner for Education; the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Development.
Others include the Head of Service Of Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Professor Adewale Banjo of the Abuja Leadership Centre of University of Abuja, Nigeria – A UNESCO Scholar and South African Professor and the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Remi Adeyemo.
The students after the programme, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the organisers for providing them with a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills and knowledge.
