Nigerian leaders lack leadership qualities, says LEAP

A non-governmental organisation, Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism Africa, has said negative occurrences in the country are indicators that the country is governed by people who do not possess leadership qualities.

The programme coordinator of LEAP Africa, Mr. Oluseyi Ojurongbe, said this during the SNEPco Youth Empowerment Programme organised for 100 youths in Lagos.

He explained that it was important to train the youths if the country must grow to the desired level.

He said, “If positive things are not happening, it is not leadership. If things are not done in the right way, that means there is no leadership. May be we have rulers, dictators or people in the position of authority but they may not necessarily be demonstrating leadership.

“There is a name for every other thing but if it is not positive, it is not leadership. The value and leadership programme is to train young people between the ages of 18 and 30 on value-based leadership. This is because we have realised that people no longer take leadership role seriously. By this training, however, they can be more useful to themselves and the society.”

According to him, one of the objectives of the training is to help youths discover their talents and assist in nation building with their skills.

He added, “Through training, youths can be helped to discover themselves and how they can make positive changes to the nation. With leadership skill, they can have sustainable businesses and run affairs of the society.

“Also, the training will help our youth to look for things they can do to make their environment better. They must come together to do what will benefit the nation. The youth must remain focused and open minded to learning, they should be change agents and ethical in their behaviour.”

One of the beneficiaries of the programme, David Ekugum, called on leaders in the country to be dedicated to developing humanity.

Punch