Abuja: Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI), an NGO, emphasized the importance of early grooming of young leaders as a solution to combating bad governance. The Executive Director of GLEMDI, Mr. Habila Kayit, highlighted this during the Third Edition of GLEMDI’s Basic and Post Basic Education Head Boys and Girls Leadership and Mentorship Retreat in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the retreat, themed ‘Nurturing Young Leaders for Sustainable Development,’ aimed to inspire young leaders to foster a positive school environment rooted in good governance and inclusivity. Kayit remarked that the Head Boys and Head Girls Leadership Retreat addresses persistent challenges in Nigeria, urging a shift from mere complaints to proposing actionable solutions. He noted the abundant resources in Nigeria, both human and material, and identified poor governance and leadership as significant issues.
Kayit further explained that GLEMDI is a non-profit organization committed to promoting responsible leadership through mentorship among young learners in Nigeria’s basic and post-basic education sectors. This initiative seeks to instigate a renaissance centered on service delivery and accountability in light of the prevailing challenges of corruption and governance in the country.
The retreat specifically targets Head Boys and Girls, who assume leadership roles in their schools for a year. Kayit expressed the desire to engage them in initiatives such as tree planting, health programs, or anti-bullying campaigns to leave a lasting legacy in their school environments. He emphasized the importance of preparing these young leaders for broader societal contributions.
GLEMDI has previously conducted similar events in Kaduna and plans to expand to all 36 states with assistance from partners and benevolent Nigerians. Kayit stressed that creating a stable society requires collaborative efforts beyond government intervention, urging individuals and organizations to guide the youth towards making a positive societal impact.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing FCT, urged the youth to adopt the principles of good leadership, emphasizing that leaders are made through self-development. She described leadership as an act of service and sacrifice for the people’s welfare, encouraging the youth to strive for legacy-building.
Mr. Kish Jonathan, a legal practitioner and Guest of Honour, praised GLEMDI’s initiative to cultivate leadership qualities in the youth. He encouraged participants to absorb the lessons, which would aid in building disciplined lives and promising futures. Jonathan shared his personal experiences of similar mentorship during his youth, underscoring its lasting impact.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Miss Shukurat Sodiq, Head Girl of Premier Academy, pledged to disseminate the teachings in her school, while Mr. Hamza Imran-Yahaya, Head Boy of Police Day Secondary School, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, appreciated the training experience.