Abuja:The Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Initiative (GLEMDI) has encouraged head boys and head girls across schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to serve as role models and drive positive change in their schools.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this call was made by GLEMDI’s Executive Director, Mr. Habila Kayit, during the fourth Basic and Post-Basic Education Head Boys and Head Girls Leadership and Mentorship Retreat in Abuja.
Kayit emphasized the importance of student leaders viewing their roles as opportunities to serve and inspire others rather than mere titles of authority. He detailed the retreat’s aim to enhance leadership, accountability, integrity, and service among young leaders, providing them with mentorship and practical experiences to contribute meaningfully to their schools and communities.
The initiative involves a leadership retreat, participant progress monitoring, and further engagements to prepare students for larger societal responsibilities. Teachers accompanying the students are also part of the program to mentor and guide the young leaders upon their return to school.
Kayit urged participants to apply retreat lessons and initiate projects that improve their schools, particularly advocating for environmental initiatives like tree planting.
The program is executed in partnership with the FCT Education Secretariat, FCT Secondary Education Board, and FCT Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat.
Ms. Ololade Ogunmubi, Founder of African Youth Leads Initiative, also addressed the participants, emphasizing that leadership is about actions, character, responsibility, and influence, rather than merely wearing a badge. She highlighted the importance of youth in Nigeria’s development and urged students to practice responsible leadership through discipline, service, and accountability.
Moreover, Mr. Saleh Abubakar, Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, represented by Ms. Alice Nkanu, encouraged student leaders nationwide to adopt integrity, inclusive leadership, and environmental responsibility. He stressed that leadership is about serving others, not wielding power.
Ms. Rinsola Abiola, Director of Global Training School at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, represented by Mr. Alexander Akinnusi, concluded by stating that effective leaders are shaped by knowledge and experience. She urged participants to approach leadership with empathy, fairness, courage, and commitment to others’ welfare.