By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
EXPERTS in various fields of human endeavours and policy makers in the Niger Delta have proffered ways Nigeria can overcome its leadership crisis.
The experts, with some drawn from the academia and politics, made their contributions on Wednesday at a public lecture series hosted by Advocate Publication Ltd, Publishers of Advocate Newspaper., in commemoration of its 10th anniversary.
The theme of the public lecture was:”Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process.”
The event was held at the prestigious Wetland Hotel in Ughelli and attracted distinguished personalities from various sectors of society.
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Adelabu Bodjor.
Chief Fred Majemite, a lawyer and former Commissioner in Delta State, was the Guest of Honour at the event which was chaired by Sir Elvis Oharisi, a businessman.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Professor Enajite Ojaruega, an erudite scholar and Professor of African Literature in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka.
Professor Enajite Ojaruega
Professor Ojaruega shed lights on the complexities of leadership, emphasizing that it is a fusion of both inherent traits and external influences.
“Leadership, as we perceive it, is a fusion of nature and nurture. Some leaders are born, some are made,” he quipped.
He also stressed the importance of youthfulness of mind, stating, “rather, 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 hinder 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.
The discussants
Edewor Egedegbe, a prominent social commentator, stressed the need to distribute blame equally among the youth, leadership, and society.
Egedegbe further hinted on 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.”
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.
“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,” he averred.
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.
Edewor Egedegbe, a youth empowerment advocate, urged the youth to change their approach and not rely solely on public sector participation.
He emphasized the significance of empowering the mind through programmes like his leadership school. Egedegbe reiterated, “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.
Another discussant, Mr Ejiro Etaoghene, echoed the sentiment of self-empowerment and emphasized the need for the youth to take initiative.
He encouraged them to read and acquire knowledge, stating, “Don’t wait to be empowered. Empower yourself. Go and read books.”
Etaoghene underscored the importance of hard work and humility as key factors for success, urging the youth to be obedient and diligent.
A professor of Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and politician of note, Professor Rukevwe Ugwumba, in her submission, said that for Nigeria to get its leadership right, there must be a deliberate policy to enthrone meritocracy above nepotism, tribalism sexism, elitism and corruption in its electoral system which undermines leadership recruitment process.
CEO of Advocate Newspaper Ltd, Mr Shadrach Onitsha ( blue middle) with colleagues in the pen profession
Speaking to newsmen at the sidelines of the event, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, the Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publications Ltd, expressed gratitude for the challenging, yet rewarding journey of the past decade.
He acknowledged the support received from friends and associates, and the platform provided by the media outfit to nurture young journalists who have now become significant in the field.
Mr. Onitsha, however, revealed plans for rebranding and enhancing the media outfit’s activities, promising a more robust and engaging contribution to Nigeria, Africa and the black race.
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