Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has emphasized the crucial role of effective leadership in driving Nigeria’s development, citing the dearth of leadership as a significant obstacle to progress.¹ Okpebholo made this assertion while delivering a keynote address at the Youth Leadership Clinic 2025, organized by postgraduate students of the University of Abuja.
The governor, represented by Joy Adesina (SAN), stressed that true leadership is not about wielding power, but about using influence and actions to effect meaningful change. He urged students to embrace leadership roles, saying, “Discover your strengths, set goals, take action, speak out, and be the leaders Edo State needs.”
Okpebholo’s remarks were echoed by other speakers at the event, including Prof. Philip Afaha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Abuja, who emphasized the importance of grooming future leaders from an early stage. The Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Gabriel Moti, also highlighted leadership failure as a recurring issue in Nigeria.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the initiative for its focus on addressing the leadership deficit in the country. The state government has pledged to collaborate with the Centre to sustain the training.
The Youth Leadership Clinic 2025, held in collaboration with the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership, brought together students from selected secondary schools in Benin. The event featured facilitators such as former Edo State Commissioner for Information and House of Representatives member, Abdul Oroh, and ex-lawmaker Patrick Ikhariale.
