Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye The Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), has stated that the leadership training session initiated by his administration tagged, “Mentorship with HOA”, is an investment in youth development and means of grooming leaders in his council area that will be problem solvers. Aroyewun, who emphasized that position of leadership calls for strong character, strengthened with competence and positive actions, gave insight into the much -talk about initiative at its second edition held on Saturday, at the IBLCDA Secretariat. The Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, delivered the keynote address, while Rep. Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, was the Special Guest of Honour. The gathering, themed: “Leading with Purpose: Mentoring the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders”, was attended by several dignitaries, including Comrade Biliamin Olalekan Oba, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Social Development; Hon. Vinod Obasa, Executive Chairman, Agege LG, Councilor Enitan Jessica Oba, Council Leader, Ikorodu West LCDA and Prince Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, APC candidate, Ikorodu Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly among others. “This is more than a gathering. It is an investment in people. It is a deliberate attempt to prepare young minds for the responsibility of leadership and to raise a generation that will not only occupy positions but create meaningful change. ”Our theme, “Leading with Purpose: Raising the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders”, speaks directly to the kind of leaders we need. ”Leadership must begin with character. It must be strengthened with competence and demonstrated through conduct. It requires vision, courage, discipline, empathy and the willingness to take responsibility”, Hon. Aroyewun said. Aroyewun stressed that his administration will continue to invest in human capital development in its quest to groom leaders that will take up the mantle after his generation, and sustain the development of IBLCDA. ”As an administration, we believe that investing in people is one of the most enduring investments any government can make. We are not merely developing infrastructure, we are developing the people who will inherit, improve and lead our communities tomorrow. ”We are particularly honoured to have distinguished leaders with us today. Their experiences across public service, legislation, policy, community development and institutional leadership offer valuable lessons for those preparing to take up leadership responsibilities. ”We thank them for accepting our invitation and for choosing to invest their knowledge and experience in the next generation”. He added, “But let us be clear: the challenges before us will not be solved by rhetoric alone. ”Insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and inequality require leaders who can think deeply, act courageously and deliver results. We need leaders who can challenge what is wrong without losing sight of what is right. Leaders who can disagree without becoming destructive. Leaders who can pursue ambition without sacrificing integrity. ”That is why this programme matters”, Aroyewun said. To the participants and future leaders, the council boss emphasised that the session is designed to support their growth and development. “To our mentees, this programme is about you. We do not see you merely as beneficiaries. We see you as leaders in the making. “So, listen carefully. Ask questions. Challenge ideas respectfully. Learn from the experiences of those who have walked the road before you. But, most importantly, do not wait for a title before you begin to lead. ”Leadership begins with the ability to identify a problem and do something about it. It begins with serving where you are. It begins with making a difference in your family, your school, your workplace and your community. ”The future of Igbogbo/Baiyeku, Lagos State and Nigeria will not necessarily belong to the loudest voices. It will belong to the most prepared, the most principled and the most purposeful. ”And today, we begin that preparation”. The Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, in her keynote address, commended the IBLCDA Chairman for the initiative she described as a deliberate attempt to develop the younger generations and make them purposeful leaders. “I am delighted to be part of this important mentorship session, and I commend Omo’ba Olalekan Aroyewun, the Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, for investing in what I consider one of the most important responsibilities of leadership: preparing those who will lead after us. “Leadership is not merely about occupying a position. A position gives you authority; purpose gives you direction; character gives you credibility; and service gives your leadership meaning. “That is why I want to challenge the young people here today to ask yourselves a different question. Do not only ask, “What position do I want?” Ask instead, “What problem am I prepared to solve?”. She furthered, “Because transformational leaders are not defined by the offices they occupy, but by the difference they make. “Mentorship is more than giving advice, it is the deliberate transfer of experience, values, perspective and opportunity from one generation to another”. Rep. Babajimi Benson, who also lauded the initiative and the achievements of Aroyewun, also charged youths to take ownership of their future, embrace entrepreneurship, develop relevant business skills and consider starting and formally registering their businesses. Entrepreneurship not only creates opportunities but also builds responsibility, discipline, innovation and purpose. The three –term lawmaker also thanked Omo’ba Aroyewun and his team for creating the platform to invest in the minds and aspirations of young people.
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