Stakeholders Converge to Redefine Nigeria’s Leadership Trajectory as Advocate Newspaper Hosts Thought-Provoking Public Lecture
UGHELLI/Nigeria: In a concerted effort to dissect and address Nigeria’s enduring leadership challenges, a diverse array of critical stakeholders from the Niger Delta region convened at a momentous public lecture series hosted by Advocate Newspaper. Against the backdrop of the publication’s 10th anniversary, the event served as a platform for in-depth analysis and solution-oriented discourse on the theme “Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process.”
Gathering at the prestigious Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, the event drew luminaries from academia, governance, business, and advocacy spheres. Notable attendees included Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, and Olorogun Fred Majemite, a distinguished lawyer and former Delta State Commissioner, among others. The proceedings were presided over by Sir Elvis Oharisi, a prominent figure in the business community.
The keynote address, delivered by Professor Enajite Ojaruega of Delta State University, Abraka, provided a nuanced examination of leadership dynamics, blending inherent attributes with external influences. Professor Ojaruega emphasized the transformative potential of youthfulness, advocating for a redefined understanding that transcends mere age demographics. He remarked, “Leadership, as we perceive it, is a fusion of nature and nurture. Some leaders are born, some are made.”
Central to the discussions was the untapped reservoir of Nigeria’s youth population, beset by systemic barriers to meaningful engagement and empowerment. Professor Ojaruega delineated the enduring legacies of colonialism, entrenched political interests, and limited opportunities as formidable obstacles impeding youth participation and contribution to national development.
The subsequent panel discussion, featuring prominent voices including social commentator Edewor Egedegbe and esteemed economist Dr. Harvey Igben, underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts between the private sector and government in driving policy efficacy and implementation. Egedegbe urged a shift in youth strategy, emphasizing the empowerment of the mind and proactive engagement beyond the public sector.
Echoing these sentiments, Barrister Ejiro Etaoghene emphasized the ethos of self-empowerment and the cultivation of knowledge as catalysts for individual and collective progress. He urged youth to seize initiative, declaring, “Don’t wait to be empowered. Empower yourself.”
Professor Rukevwe Ugwumba, offering a perspective informed by both academia and political engagement, advocated for a deliberate policy shift towards meritocracy to counteract the pervasive influences of nepotism, tribalism, and corruption in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
In a goodwill message, the Delta Online Publishers Forum commended Advocate Publications for its visionary leadership and commitment to fostering dialogue on critical national issues. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, Chairman of the forum, lauded the inaugural lecture series as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s evolving leadership discourse.
In reflection, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, CEO of Advocate Publications Limited, expressed gratitude for the publication’s journey and outlined plans for rebranding and expanded contributions to the nation and continent.
As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted challenges on its path to sustainable development, initiatives such as this public lecture series serve as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways towards inclusive and transformative leadership.
