Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Director of Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Abdulhamid Suleiman, Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Youth Leadership Clinic, Morufat Aniso and others have urged youths on how to become good leaders for the betterment of their future.
Speaking in Ibadan at the 2026 Southwest Zonal edition of the Youth Leaders Clinic (YLC), with the theme: ‘Empowering the Next Generation, Raising Responsible, Ethical and Transformative Young Leaders’, Suleiman said leadership was one of the most essential pillars of national transformation.
He said the event marked another milestone in the commitment of University of Abuja, through the Abuja Leadership Centre, to develop leaders, who have character, competence, courage and clear vision for positive change.
He said if youths understood self-discipline, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, responsibility, communication, teamwork and national values ”at this stage of life, they will grow into leaders who will resist corruption, avoid negative influence and embrace service to humanity.”
Aniso, who says leadership begins with responsibility, vision and the courage to make a difference, advised youth leaders to see themselves as leaders, and not mere students, but part of the glory and future of Nigeria.
In her presentation titled: ‘Understanding Leadership, Ethical Leadership and Public Governance’, Jokotade Odebunmi urged youths to participate in governance and not leave it to the government alone, saying the task of making Nigeria better is a responsibility of all.
Olugbenro Esther, who spoke about ‘Leading in the Digital Age: ‘Artificial Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence and Digital Leadership’, advised youths to be responsible with the use of AI, ”because the future belongs to those who use AI responsibly.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola, represented by Olajide T. A., hailed the organiser of the event for the initiative, saying the programme would prepare young ones to be better leaders in future.
Oba Ladoja, represented by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, advised youths to be good citizens.
Police Commissioner Olugbenga Abimbola said the event would assist young leaders to become better in future.
He urged them to be security cautious, avoid hard drugs, and not join cultism, which, according to him, could destroy their lives.