Mariam Akinloye
The Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has commended the Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), for his administration’s investment into preparing youths as future leaders.
Hon. Meranda gave the kudos while delivering his keynote address at the “Mentorship Session with HOA 2.0”, an initiative of Omo’ba Olalekan Aroyewun, Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, held at the council secretariat at the weekend.
She informed hundreds of participants at the session that position of leadership is only meaningful if such is used purposefully, credibly and in service to the people.
“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.”
She further charged, “That is why I want to challenge all 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?’ ”
“Because transformational leaders are not defined by the offices they occupy, but by the difference they make,” she added.
Hon. Meranda, emphasising the importance of he mentorship session, stated:
“Mentorship is more than giving advice. It is the deliberate transfer of experience, values, perspective and opportunity from one generation to another.
”A good mentor does not simply tell you what to do. A good mentor challenges you to think, equips you to make better decisions and sometimes opens a door that you could not have opened yourself.
”But mentorship is also a responsibility for the mentee. You must be willing to listen, learn, ask questions, accept correction and do the work.”
“Opportunity may open the door, but preparation determines whether you can walk through it.”
The state lawmaker also charged the next generation of leaders to equip themselves with technology if they are to be transformational leaders who solve problems and make impact.
“You are growing into leadership at a time of extraordinary change. Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the workplace. Social media has changed how we communicate and influence society. New economic realities are creating both challenges and opportunities.”
“You therefore need more than ambition. You need competence, character, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose.”
She also enjoined the youth to hold dear to the good values, impact attained and, continuously engage in learning.
”Never confuse visibility with impact. Never confuse political access with leadership. And never sacrifice your values for temporary opportunities.
“Build your competence. Protect your integrity. Read widely.”
”Learn continuously. And wherever you find yourself, look for a problem you can solve.”
The Lagos Deputy Speaker urged participants to also understand that leadership is never in perpetuity, rather, an opportunity to influence and also develop others too.
”I believe leadership is a relay race. We all hold the baton for a season. Our responsibility is not simply to run our own race, but to ensure that when we hand over the baton, the next generation is better prepared to carry it further.
“That is the true test of leadership.
”If your leadership ends with you, you have built a position. If your leadership produces people who can lead beyond you, you build a legacy.”
Hon. Vinod Obasa, Executive Chairman, Agege LG; Councillor Jessica Enitan Oba, Council Leader, Ikorodu West LCDA; Mr Ayodeji Awosika, Mr Damilare Oriole and Mr Tolulope Famile, a community developer and others who were the panelists also shared their experiences from their individual positions with the audience.
