On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the vibrant city of Asaba in Delta State became the epicenter of a transformative initiative aimed at shaping the future of Nigeria’s youth. The Abuja Leadership Centre, in partnership with the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership at the University of Abuja, hosted a one-day Youth Leaders’ Clinic at Dennis Osadebay University. This event, themed “Empowering the Next Generation Leaders,” was a clarion call for responsible, visionary, and patriotic leadership, bringing together senior prefects and student leaders from secondary schools across Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa States. The program was designed to instill values of civic responsibility, accountability, and ethical leadership in young Nigerians, equipping them with the tools to become transformative agents in their schools, communities, and the nation at large.
The clinic was a carefully curated platform to nurture the next generation of leaders at a time when Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges, including governance deficits, leadership crises, and declining civic engagement. By targeting young people, particularly student leaders, the organizers sought to plant the seeds of change early, fostering a generation capable of steering Nigeria toward sustainable development and global competitiveness. The event was a blend of intellectual discourse, practical exercises, and motivational insights, all aimed at inspiring participants to embrace leadership as an act of service rooted in integrity and civic consciousness.
A Timely and Laudable Initiative
The Delta State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, lent significant weight to the event through a goodwill message that underscored its importance. Mrs. Ezewu described the Youth Leaders’ Clinic as a “timely and laudable initiative,” particularly in light of Nigeria’s pressing need for leaders who embody responsibility, vision, and patriotism. She emphasized that the nation’s progress hinges on the quality of its leadership, and initiatives like the clinic are pivotal in shaping the character and mindset of young people who will eventually take the helm of Nigeria’s future.
Mrs. Ezewu urged the student leaders in attendance to view leadership not as a position of power but as a call to serve. “Service is the foundation of leadership,” she stated, encouraging participants to internalize the lessons from the clinic and apply them in their schools and communities. She highlighted the importance of carrying forward the principles of accountability, integrity, and civic responsibility, which are essential for building a society that thrives on mutual trust and collective progress.
On behalf of the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, Mrs. Ezewu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting programs that enhance leadership capacity and civic consciousness among students. She noted that such initiatives align with Delta State’s broader educational goals, which prioritize not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of young people as responsible citizens. Her remarks set an inspiring tone for the event, reinforcing the idea that leadership development is a shared responsibility between government, educational institutions, and society at large.
The Abuja Leadership Centre: A Beacon of Leadership Excellence
The Abuja Leadership Centre, the driving force behind the Youth Leaders’ Clinic, was highlighted as a prestigious institution with a proven track record in leadership development and policy research. Professor Philip Dahida, the Director of the Centre, provided insight into its mission and achievements, painting a picture of an institution dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s leadership and governance challenges through education, research, and practical solutions.
Professor Dahida explained that the Abuja Leadership Centre is more than an academic institution; it is a hub for advanced leadership studies and policy innovation. The Centre has produced graduates who have gone on to occupy influential positions as political leaders, senior bureaucrats, and high-ranking military officers. These alumni are making tangible contributions to Nigeria’s development, applying the knowledge and skills acquired at the Centre to tackle complex governance issues.
A key focus of the Centre, according to Professor Dahida, is fostering accountability among both leaders and followers. He emphasized that Nigeria’s development challenges are not solely the responsibility of those in power but also of citizens who must actively participate in the governance process. The Centre’s research initiatives have addressed critical issues such as policy depletion, leadership quagmires, and governance bottlenecks, offering practical solutions to longstanding problems.
“The Abuja Leadership Centre is not just about producing certificated graduates,” Professor Dahida stated. “We are committed to producing leaders who are capable of providing solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.” He cited examples of graduates whose research has influenced policy decisions and contributed to national development, underscoring the Centre’s role as a catalyst for change. By extending its expertise to young people through initiatives like the Youth Leaders’ Clinic, the Centre is ensuring that its impact reaches beyond the academic realm and into the grassroots of society.
Leadership as a Solution to Nigeria’s Challenges
The clinic featured a compelling address by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, who brought a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. DIG Akpoyibo argued that Nigeria’s underdevelopment is fundamentally a leadership problem, rooted in a lack of visionary and accountable leaders. He stressed that the country’s potential to compete on the global stage is immense but can only be realized through effective leadership at all levels of society.
Akpoyibo advocated for the early training of young people in leadership values, emphasizing the importance of “catching them young.” He argued that instilling traits such as integrity, accountability, and patriotism in youth is critical to building a generation of leaders capable of driving rapid development. “With good leadership, Nigeria can achieve remarkable progress and compete with the best in the world,” he said. His remarks resonated with the audience, reinforcing the clinic’s mission to mold young leaders who prioritize the collective good over personal gain.
Akpoyibo’s perspective was grounded in his extensive experience in law enforcement and public service, where he witnessed firsthand the consequences of poor leadership. He urged the student leaders to see themselves as agents of change, capable of transforming their communities and the nation through principled leadership. His call to action was both a challenge and an inspiration, encouraging participants to embrace their roles as future leaders with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
Linking Citizenship, Participation, and Leadership
The Coordinator of the Abuja Leadership Centre for the Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa contingent, Mrs. Winifred Elikwu, provided a conceptual framework for the clinic, articulating the interconnectedness of citizenship, participation, and leadership. She explained that the program was designed to help young people understand their roles as active citizens and to translate that understanding into practical leadership actions.
“Citizenship gives you the values, participation gives you the practice, while leadership is the result,” Mrs. Elikwu stated. She emphasized that true leadership is not about titles or authority but about putting citizenship into action. By embodying values such as integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility, young leaders can inspire others and drive positive change in their communities.
Mrs. Elikwu’s remarks highlighted the importance of civic engagement as a cornerstone of leadership. She encouraged participants to see themselves as stakeholders in Nigeria’s development, with a responsibility to contribute to the nation’s progress through active participation in their schools, communities, and beyond. Her message was a powerful reminder that leadership begins with a commitment to the common good and a willingness to take action.
A Dynamic and Engaging Program
The Youth Leaders’ Clinic was designed to be both educational and interactive, ensuring that participants not only absorbed theoretical knowledge but also applied it in practical ways. The program included a combination of lectures, group deliberations, and feedback exercises, all aimed at fostering critical thinking and active engagement.
The lectures covered key topics such as the principles of ethical leadership, the role of civic responsibility in nation-building, and the importance of accountability in governance. These sessions were delivered by experts from the Abuja Leadership Centre and other invited speakers, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussions. The lectures were tailored to resonate with the young audience, using relatable examples and practical insights to illustrate complex concepts.
Group deliberations provided an opportunity for participants to engage in peer-to-peer learning, discussing real-world scenarios and brainstorming solutions to leadership and governance challenges. These sessions encouraged collaboration and critical thinking, allowing student leaders to share their perspectives and learn from one another. The interactive nature of the deliberations ensured that participants were not passive recipients of information but active contributors to the learning process.
Feedback exercises were a key component of the program, designed to ensure that participants internalized the lessons and applied them in their daily lives. Schools were tasked with presenting what their student leaders had learned at their morning assemblies, with the requirement to submit recorded clips as part of the feedback process. This exercise not only reinforced the lessons but also encouraged participants to take ownership of their learning and share it with their peers.
Impact and Call to Action
The one-day event was described by participants as highly impactful, leaving them inspired and equipped with new perspectives on leadership and citizenship. The combination of motivational speeches, intellectual discourse, and practical exercises created a dynamic learning environment that resonated with the young leaders in attendance. Many expressed a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying the lessons learned in their schools and communities.
The clinic concluded with a powerful call to action, urging young leaders to embrace service, integrity, and civic responsibility as the building blocks of national development. Participants were encouraged to see themselves as change-makers, capable of transforming Nigeria through principled leadership and active citizenship. The event underscored the idea that leadership is not a distant goal but a daily practice that begins with small, intentional actions.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Future
The Youth Leaders’ Clinic is a microcosm of a broader movement to address Nigeria’s leadership and governance challenges through education and capacity-building. By targeting young people, the Abuja Leadership Centre is investing in the future, recognizing that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. The clinic’s emphasis on civic responsibility and ethical leadership aligns with the growing recognition that Nigeria’s progress depends on the active participation of its citizens, particularly its youth.
Nigeria faces a range of complex challenges, from economic inequality and corruption to insecurity and infrastructure deficits. These issues require leaders who are not only skilled but also principled, capable of making decisions that prioritize the common good. By equipping young people with the values and skills needed to lead effectively, initiatives like the Youth Leaders’ Clinic are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
The event also highlights the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions, and civil society in fostering leadership development. The partnership between the Abuja Leadership Centre, the TETFUND Centre of Excellence, and the Delta State Government demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing societal challenges. By working together, these stakeholders are creating opportunities for young people to grow into leaders who can drive meaningful change.
Conclusion
The Youth Leaders’ Clinic held on September 25, 2025, at Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the student leaders who participated. Through a combination of inspiring speeches, intellectual discussions, and practical exercises, the event empowered young people to embrace their roles as responsible citizens and visionary leaders. The Abuja Leadership Centre, with its commitment to fostering ethical leadership and civic responsibility, has set a powerful example of how education can be a catalyst for national development.
As Nigeria navigates its challenges and opportunities, initiatives like the Youth Leaders’ Clinic offer hope for a brighter future. By investing in the next generation, the Abuja Leadership Centre is helping to build a Nigeria where leadership is defined not by power or privilege but by service, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. The young leaders who attended the clinic are now equipped to carry these values forward, inspiring their peers and communities to join them in the journey toward a better Nigeria.