By Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Sokoto/Zamfara Youth Leader’s Clinic in partnership with Masters and Ph.D. Scholars of Abuja Leadership Centre, of University of Abuja/TETFUND hs trained Students’ Leaders and Prefects of some Secondary Schools in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The Co-ordinator, Sokoto/Zamfara Youth Leader’s Clinic, Engr Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the training is to imbibe leadership ethics among youths and build their potentials in their quest to become great leaders in the future.
Yabo in his speech appraised the potential of Nigerian youths in stepping into leadership roles. He however reminded them of numerous challenges that lie ahead of them.
Yabo, a renowned Youth development advocate said as youth leaders, they will face numerous obstacles, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and societal expectations that often constrain your potential.
“Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic about the impact that this Leadership Clinic can have on your lives and the lives of those you serve.
“Looking at the fact that youth are now in a digital era where everything is at their fingertips.” Yabo chargesthe youths.
He also urged the youths to identify themselves as agents of change, saying, “we are committed to supporting you in this critical role in line with one of the key cardinal objectives of the Abuja Leadership Centre.
Earlier, Director, Abuja Leadership Center, University of Abuja, Professor Gabriel Ukertor Moti noted that the University organized the leadership clinic to equip youth with knowledge and skills necessary in driving positive change in the society.
He said the training implemented in various states has been conceptualised in order to give back to the nation by grooming youth on how to become better leaders.
Moti said that Nigeria has suffered from leadership and governance, which necessitated the establishment of the Center.
“We want to bridge the gap between the young and the old, so that they do not grow up and get unlinked from the elders, but they are also mentored and what we are doing today is part of the mentorship.” Moti said
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who was represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi said it is high time for youth to recognize that they are the future leaders.
He notes with dismay how the present generation of youths have not laid a solid foundation for themselve in creating the better leaders for tomorrow.
He said the present world is taken over by artificial intelligence and there is a need for the youth to create a niche for themselves.
The Sultan however implored the youth not to rely on white color jobs as a means of livelihood.
on his part, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who was represented by Dr. Yakubu Sanusi Gusau, Provost, Zamfara State College of Arts and Science (ZACAS), Gusau said his administration is committed to all aspects of youth development including leadership skills.
He said education is paramount to youth development and that is why the state government is dedicated to improving the education sector.
The participants were drawn across secondary schools in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
