Critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region on Wednesday brainstormed at a public lecture series, with the theme: “Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process”, hosted by Advocate Newspaper, in commemoration of its 10th anniversary.
The event, which took place in Ughelli, attracted distinguished personalities from all walks of life, with Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central senatorial district as Special Guest of Honour.
A renowned Lawyer and one-time Commissioner in the state, Fred Majemite, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion, which had a prominent businessman, Sir Elvis Oharisi, as Chairman
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Enajite Ojaruega of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka, who shed light on the complexities of leadership, emphasizing that it was a fusion of both inherent traits and external influences.
She remarked, “Leadership as we perceive it is a fusion of nature and nurture. Some leaders are born, some are made”.
The erudite scholar also stressed the importance of youthfulness of mind, stating, “We should look at the essence of youth as transcending mere numerical boundaries, to embody a state of mind characterized by vitality, creativity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress”.
Drawing attention to the untapped potential of Nigeria’s youth population, Professor Ojaruega highlighted the obstacles of disempowerment, marginalization, and lack of opportunities that hindered their contribution to society. She expressed, “Under optimal circumstances, the composition of the country’s population should ordinarily hint at a wealth of untapped potential awaiting harnessing for groundbreaking and expansive endeavors”.
In her analysis of the flaws in Nigeria’s leadership recruitment and empowerment processes, Professor Ojaruega identified the enduring effects of colonialism, entrenched political interests, and limited opportunities as major culprits. She stated, “This foundational failure of Nigeria’s leadership recruitment processes has led to social stratification, alienation, and marginalization, particularly among the youth”.
The discussion panel featured three additional experts who shared their insights on the theme. Edewor Egedegbe, a prominent social commentator, stressed the need to distribute blame equally among the youth, leadership, and society. He remarked, “We should share the blame equally”. Egedegbe further highlighted the value drift in society as a root cause of the problem, stating, “For me, that’s the beginning of the problem. When people do not give up, they don’t give up. They give room for excellence. We now thrive in mediocrity. This is what you get”.
Edewor Egedegbe, a youth empowerment advocate, urged the youth to be enterprising, resourceful and not depend solely on the public sector for survival. He emphasized the need for the empowerment of the mind through leadership training and engagements for self sustenance. Egedegbe stated, “It will only end when the youth change their approach”. He further highlighted the importance of acquiring knowledge through reading and emphasized the values of hard work and humility.
Dr. Harvey Igben, another panelist and esteemed economist, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government to enable policies and their effective implementation. He stated, “The contribution must come from both the private sector and the government. But enabling the environment for the private sector to be able to do whatever it takes to do whatever it has to do.” Dr. Igben also raised concerns about the reward system and policy implementation in Nigeria, questioning the extent of transformation that takes place within correctional institutions.
Another discussants, Barrister Ejiro Etaoghene, echoed the sentiment of self-empowerment and emphasized the need for youth to take initiatives. He encouraged them to read and acquire knowledge, stating, “Don’t wait to be empowered. Empower yourself. Go and read books”. Barrister Etaoghene emphasized the importance of hard work and humility as key factors for success, urging the youth to be obedient and diligent.
In her submission, a professor of family medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and a politician of note, Professor Rukevwe Ugwumba, said for Nigeria to get it’s leadership right, there must be a deliberate policy to enthrone meritocracy above nepotism, tribalism, sexism, elitism and corruption in our electoral system, which undermine our leadership recruitment process.
Speaking to newsmen, the Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publications Limited, Mr Shedrack Onitsha, expressed gratitude for the challenging yet rewarding journey of the past decade, acknowledging the support received from friends and associates.
While saying that the platform provided by the Advocate Newspaper had helped to nurture young journalists to become renowned names in the field, Mr. Onitsha revealed plans for rebranding, promising a more robust and engaging contribution to Nigeria and Africa.
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