By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, has stressed the need for Nigeria to invest in its youths to empower them to take over the leadership of the country.
Professor Olapegba spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, at the opening of the maiden edition of the FRA Marinho Trust Leadership Summit.
He said that over the years, leadership had been a major challenge in the African continent, adding that there is a need to build the capacity of the youths to enable them to take up leadership positions.
Professor Olapegba stated that a good leader must always make impact and useful changes through clear vision, developed capacity, and integrity.
He said the University, therefore, appreciates the Marinho Trust for facilitating the Leadership Summit.
A representative of the Marinho Trust, Mr Olusegun Ajayi said the Summit was an indication that Chief F. R. A. Marinho had not died in vain, and his memory lives on.
He described late Chief Marinho as a hardworking person who left enviable legacies.
Mr Ajayi, an alumnus of UI, described leadership as a dynamic but subjective issue, adding that some were born leaders while others were made leaders.
He quoted copiously from the publications of Professor Adeniran Ogunsanya, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Adeoye Lambo, and Shakespeare and submitted that we surely need purposeful leadership to move Nigeria forward.
The Dean of Students, Professor I. A. Abiona said the Leadership Summit was a welcome development at a time when the Nigerian youths were thirsty for leadership roles in the nation.
He stated that in order to have sustainable development in Nigeria, we need a leadership that is greatly committed to the welfare of the people, shunning corruption, building good followership with exemplary character, and guiding the youths on the good path to emulate.
The President of the Students Union, Mr Oluwatobiloba Samuel, appreciated the University and the Marinho Trust for organising the summit.
He said it would help student leaders to know the importance of maintaining certain standards, learning more, and knowing what they could do better, even as students.
Two presentations were made by Professor Oyedunni S. Arulogun, a member of the University Governing Council and Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation as well as Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, a UI@75 Ambassador.
Professor Arulogun’s presentation was entitled ” Purposeful Leadership: A Catalyst for Nation Building.”
She said that a leader must have integrity, ability to reconcile, be resilient, selfless, be committed to excellence, be pragmatic and diplomatic.
She stated that leaders may face challenges such as resistance to change, lack of clarity, short term focus, inconsistencies, cultural resistance, and external pressure.
She advised that the way out would be leadership development programmes, mentorship and coaching, fostering of a culture of purpose, personal development, recognition and reward for purpose driven leadership.
The presentation made by Chief Akintola, SAN, was titled “Youths and Contemporary Challenges in Nigeria.”
Chief Akintola extensively examined the various issues and called for collective efforts to empower and uplift the youth.
He argued that by investing in education, mentorship, equal opportunities, and sustainable development, we “collectively sow the seeds for a brighter more inclusive, and prosperous future.”
He urged all Nigerians to join hands in fostering an environment where the energy, creativity, and passion of the youths can thrive, ensuring that they emerge as leaders who shape a world characterised by equity, resilience and shared prosperity.
The Summit was attended by student leaders from the Faculties, Departments, Halls of Residence, and campus organisations.
Chief Festus Remilekun Ayodele Marinho (1934 – 2021) was a 1960 alumnus of the University College, Ibadan where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Honours Physics.
He was in the vanguard of the Petroleum industry development in Nigeria and contributed to its development and growth activities from its earliest dawn. Chief Marinho was a Papal Knight of St Sylvester.
