Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s ongoing “gamble” with leadership selection, describing it as a precarious “try-by-error” system.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, titled “Leadership in Nigeria and its Impact on the Next Generation,” Oyebanji advocated for integrating leadership training and mentorship into the national education curriculum.
In his address, Oyebanji emphasized that leadership should be considered a fundamental skill for all citizens, on par with basic education in literacy and numeracy.
He argued for a future-oriented curriculum that embeds leadership principles and practical skills from early education levels. “If you want to change people, teach them what you want them to change,” he stated.
The governor highlighted the deficiencies in Nigeria’s current leadership recruitment practices, noting that many individuals ascend to positions of power without the necessary qualifications or experience.
“People sometimes find themselves in leadership positions by default, not due to personal merit,” he said. Oyebanji called for a system where certification and structured training in leadership become prerequisites for holding significant societal roles.
He underscored the importance of preparing the younger generation for effective leadership, asserting that bad leadership is a critical challenge facing Nigeria today. “We need to ensure well-structured leadership training for the younger generation,” he said, advocating for a thorough understanding of how to manage diverse audiences with varying needs and characteristics.
The guest speaker at the event, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, founder of The Chair Centre, echoed Oyebanji’s sentiments, stressing the need to equip future leaders with essential values. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos also weighed in, highlighting the importance of nurturing both spiritual and political leadership among the youth.
As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of leadership, Oyebanji’s call for systemic change and targeted training underscores a growing recognition that effective leadership is critical to the nation’s progress.
