In a bid to cultivate future leaders equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate Nigeria’s dynamic socio-political landscape, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin alongside Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, and former governors and legislators have underscored the importance of preparing Nigerian students for future leadership roles.
The event, held on Wednesday, April 24 at the International Conference Centre (ICC) University of Ibadan, brought together prominent figures from various fields to engage students in discussions on leadership, governance, and the challenges facing the nation.
The Oyo State Speaker, Hon. Ogundoyin emphasized the pivotal role of the younger generation in shaping Nigeria’s future, urging students to actively participate in civic activities and contribute positively to societal development.
Joined by seasoned politicians and academic scholars, the panelists delved into issues bothering on ethical leadership, effective governance, and the need for youth involvement in decision-making processes. They stressed the significance of fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity among future leaders to address the pressing issues confronting the nation.
Ogundoyin, the Ibarapa born second term Speaker and Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of state legislators, equally highlighted the importance of harnessing the youthful energy and innovative spirit to drive sustainable national development and tackle emerging global challenges affecting the Nigeria.
The lawmaker alongside other speakers encouraged students to embrace engaging their political leaders, learning, oo and acquire relevant skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication to excel in leadership roles.
In his words, Ogundoyin said: “This Summit themed “Roles of quality legislation in nation building” is organised for members of Students Representatives Council, Students Union Governments and students of interest in higher institutions of learning across the Southwest states and Kwara, where over 65 institutions have been identified and invited.
The main objectives of this summit are to Educate students about the legislative process and its significance in shaping national development, to Encourage students to critically analyze the impact of existing legislations on various aspects of the society, such as education, healthcare, and the economy, and to Inspire students to actively engage in civic participation and advocate for quality legislation that addresses pressing issues and contributes to sustainable development.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, who was the chief host of the maiden event recalled how channeling his youthful energy into pursuing a career in private business as against searching for white collar job shaped up his life to become who he is today in both private and public life charging the students to embrace knowledge acquisition that would empower their intellectualism to be better positioned for future leadership.
“I am here this afternoon the encourage the youths. If you go back to the history of Nigeria, after independence in 1960, in 1967, the person that became the maximum ruler was either 29 or 32 years of age, General Gowon. After him, during the Second Republic, former President Obasanjo retired as a general at the age of 39.
“We should dream big. People have ruled this country at a very tender age. So, for us, don’t think at 29 or 30, you are too young to rule ad I am glad because this is almost like catching them early. You have the students here and in about three years, some of you will be out there to move on. If I were you, I wont have to start looking for work but start doing my own thing at a very early age of 24 or 25. With the kind of energy you still have, you can pull down the kingdom of Satan.
“For the Honorable Speaker himself, the opportunity came in 2018 to replace a former Speaker from his Constituency and, at that particular time, he came, I looked at him and felt he was a spoilt chid. That was why I did not support him initially. But, along the line, he became a member of the House of Assmebly.
“I am glad that with Debo’s trajectory and this summit, we are moving towards the trajectory where young leaders are now thinking in terms of bridging the leadership vacuum in our country.
“And also for the students, coming around, seeing young people they can relate with in a position if authority, I think that is enough motivation for them already. It is enough to let them know that they can be responsible.
“The examples I gave about our leaders who led this country as Generals at the age of 29, they are still around up until this moment. But what we need to do is part of what the Honorable Speaker is doing with this type of Summit; bring leaders, look at topical issues and see how we can stimulate ad produce the next set of leaders.
“So, I am eagerly looking out for the outcome of the Summit and supporting the entrenchment of this initiative so that Nigeria can be better in terms of leadership. If you go to advanced countries, they have a culture of how leaders evolve.
“For us here, we have seen the common situation where ‘who is your father’ was the order of the day but we have been able to break that in Oyo State. My father was a nobody and the Oyo Stye people still gave me the opportunity to lead.
“We may not be able to prepare the future for the youths but we can prepare the youths for the future. So, please, don’t see this event as an opportunity to look at the issue of leadership in this country. And, in me, Seyi Makinde, the youths have an ally and we will prepare the leaders of the next generation amongst the youths.
At the event which had in attendance the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, a former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who was represented, and Speakers of Osun and Ekiti states’ Houses of Assembly, other keynote speakers stressed that the issue of leadership is imperative in preparing the youth for the future and governance.
In his keynote address, the President of the Senate, 8th National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Plateau State Governor, Dr Golu Timothy, emphasised the roles of quality legislation in nation-building.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Speakers, (South-West), who is also the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Stephen Aribasoye, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo and the Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) noted that all sectors must have quality and strong legislature for the nation to move forward.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union’s Students’ Representative Council, Rt. Honourable Olamide Omotunde, appreciated Governor Makinde for being a friendly governor and for his remarkable contributions to students union governments and students associations in the state with the recent donation of 28 buses.