A member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has tasked Nigerian leaders to make accountability and transparency their watchwords in order to build a strong foundation for the future generation.
Prof Ihonvbere representing Owan Federal Constituency in the national Assembly made the call while delivery the 6th convocation lecture at the Edo University Iyamho, titled: “Equipping the Next Generation For Leadership, Innovation and Service To Humanity”.
Prof Ihonvbere who is the House Leader in the house of representatives, said that leadership roles comes with responsibilities and therefore urged leaders in the country to be transparent and honest at all times.
“If we wish to discuss how to prepare or equip our next generation for leadership, we must admit that not everyone must or should lead but if we see leadership as the process of empowering individuals with the ability to be perceptive, innovative, creative, patriotic and productive, then everyone must be exposed to leadership training opportunities weather formal or informal”, he emphasized.
According to him, leadership is not just about access to or holding political office; but about conviction, confidence, inspiration, influence and a positive disposition to doing good for man and community.
To be a leader, he said, one must display a commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency, holistic appreciation of history and possibilities and give people hope.
He said one must be able to effectively communicate ideas and solutions, mobilise peers and followers in a direction of progress and renewal.
He said one must be able to seek feedback from the people, listen to the yearnings of supporters and foes, mentor the young and encourage people to go beyond established boundaries of creativity and innovation.
The guest Lecturer who identified leadership as strong-will, capacity to work and compassion, said a true leader must have the consistent ability to rise above primordial proclivities, and have the capacity to mobilise and inspire the people.
He further stated that the nation need a leadership with the political will and courage to mobilise and propel Nigerians to the next level of growth, development and democratic consolidation.
He, however, urged the people to hold their leaders accountable.
“If we fail to execute structural reforms, rebuild institutions, set national priorities, hold leaders accountable and always insist on the highest standards, then we are equipping the next generation with the wrong vibes, ideas, knowledge and perspectives”, Ihonvbere said.
Earlier in his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Dawood Egbefo said that Edo University Iyamho has steadfastly upheld its mandate to ensure that students graduate after their respective programs on time and without interruptions.
On his part, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olusegun O. Akinyinka, a professor of Paediatrics, said leadership good or bad, provided by teachers, parents and civil societies, political and spiritual leaders is expected to be archored on vision and integrity with capacity to inspire in our collaborative actions.
