Junior Chamber International (JCI), Aso, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering quality leadership among young Nigerians to drive sustainable economic growth.
The organisation revealed this at the 2024 Quality Leadership Value (QLV) Boot Camp, a three-day event to nurture strong leadership qualities in future leaders.
The event was themed: "Quality Leadership for National Excellence: Inspiring Young Leaders to Shape the Future."
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, JCI Aso president Yetunde Adebisi emphasised the organisation's focus on mentorship and practical leadership skills as vital tools for empowering youth.
Adebisi noted the unique structure of this year's boot camp, which included two virtual days, allowing participants to connect with global leaders and gain insights into their leadership journeys.
"Mentorship is one of the key aspects we should look forward to in leadership," she said, emphasising that mentorship provides guidance, helping young leaders achieve more than they could independently.
Adebisi stressed that JCI's approach to leadership goes beyond traditional event-based learning, focusing on practical application. "In JCI, we don't believe you need to hold a position to be a leader. Leadership is about leading from wherever you are," she stated, urging participants to apply the lessons from the boot camp in their daily lives, regardless of formal roles.
The boot camp combined mentorship and hands-on training, allowing participants to explore leadership principles through real-world examples.
Adebisi emphasised that true leadership in Nigeria requires proactive efforts from individuals rather than waiting for others to take charge.
She expressed hope that participants would continue to embrace the principles of quality leadership beyond the event, fostering a culture of leadership across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Dr. Lanre Phillips, CEO of Elpee Consultant, addressed the evolving definition of leadership, urging current and aspiring leaders to adapt to new perspectives to lead effectively in a changing world.
He stressed that leaders must prioritise succession planning with this shift to ensure sustainable leadership beyond their tenure.
"Leadership is no longer about just leading from the front; it's about preparing others to continue the vision," he said, noting that many people grew up viewing leadership solely as a top-down approach.
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Phillips argued that effective leaders must look beyond their roles and empower the next generation to lead. "If your leadership ends with you, then you've been a selfish leader," he asserted, emphasising that true leadership is about nurturing others to step into roles with readiness and capability.
Also, Joshua Oghorialu, chairperson of this year's boot camp, underscored the responsibility of Nigeria's youth to lead. Quoting John C. Maxwell's principle that "Everything rises and falls on leadership," he argued that Nigeria's growth and progress depend on quality leaders and that the younger generation, not the country's elderly leaders, should be at the forefront.
Oghorialu urged young Nigerians to seize leadership roles at every level of society, from classrooms to corporate offices and within their communities.
He highlighted young people's enthusiasm, energy, and intellectual vitality as essential traits for steering Nigeria forward. "Young people are the leaders that the world is yearning to see," he said, calling on youth to embrace their potential and inherent strengths.
According to Oghorialu, discovering leadership qualities often requires taking on responsibilities, especially in today's digital age, where information and resources are readily available.
He encouraged young people to utilise these digital tools to develop the leadership qualities needed to transform Nigeria.
