We aim to build quality leadership culture among Nigerian youths – JCI

The Junior Chamber International (JCI), Aso, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering quality leadership in young Nigerians to drive sustainable economic growth. The organization revealed this at the 2024 Quality Leadership Value (QLV) Boot Camp, a three-day event designed to nurture strong leadership qualities in future leaders. The event was themed: “Quality Leadership for National […]

The Junior Chamber International (JCI), Aso, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering quality leadership in young Nigerians to drive sustainable economic growth.

The organization revealed this at the 2024 Quality Leadership Value (QLV) Boot Camp, a three-day event designed to nurture strong leadership qualities in future leaders.

The event was themed: “Quality Leadership for National Excellence: Inspiring Young Leaders to Shape the Future.”

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, JCI Aso president, Yetunde Adebisi, emphasized the organization’s focus on mentorship and practical leadership skills as essential tools for youth empowerment.

Adebisi highlighted the unique structure of this year’s boot camp, which included two virtual days that allowed participants to connect with global leaders and gain valuable insights into their leadership journeys.

“Mentorship is one of the key aspects we should look forward to in leadership,” she added, noting that mentorship provides guidance that helps young leaders achieve more than they could independently.

She underscored that JCI’s approach to leadership emphasizes practical application beyond traditional event-based learning.

“In JCI, we don’t believe you need to hold a position to be a leader. Leadership is about leading from wherever you are,” she stated, urging participants to apply the lessons from the boot camp in their daily lives, regardless of their formal roles.

The boot camp combined mentorship and hands-on training, allowing participants to explore leadership principles through real-world examples.

Adebisi emphasized that true leadership in Nigeria requires proactive efforts from individuals rather than waiting for others to take charge.

Adebisi expressed her hope that participants would continue to embrace the principles of quality leadership beyond the event, fostering a culture of leadership across Nigeria.

On his part, the CEO of Elpee Consultant, Dr. Lanre Phillips addressed the evolving definition of leadership, urging both current and aspiring leaders to adapt to new perspectives to lead effectively in a changing world.

He emphasized that with this shift, leaders must prioritize succession planning to ensure sustainable leadership beyond their tenure. “Leadership is no longer about just leading from the front; it’s about preparing others to continue the vision,” he said, noting that many grew up viewing leadership solely as a top-down approach.

Phillips argued that effective leaders must look beyond their own roles and empower the next generation to lead. “If your leadership ends with you, then you’ve been a selfish leader,” he asserted, stressing that true leadership is about nurturing others to step into roles with readiness and capability.

Also, the chairperson of this year’s boot camp, Joshua Oghorialu also emphasized the responsibility of Nigeria’s youth to lead. Quoting John C. Maxwell’s principle that “Everything rises and falls on leadership,” he argued that Nigeria’s growth and progress depend on quality leaders and that the younger generation, not the country’s elderly leaders, should be at the forefront.

Joshua urged young Nigerians to seize leadership roles at every level of society, from classrooms to corporate offices, and within their communities.

He highlighted the enthusiasm, energy, and intellectual vitality of young people as essential traits for steering Nigeria forward. “Young people are the leaders that the world is yearning to see,” he stated, calling on youth to embrace their potential and inherent strengths.

According to Joshua, discovering one’s leadership qualities often requires taking on responsibilities, especially in today’s digital age, where information and resources are readily available.

He encouraged young people to utilize these digital tools to develop the leadership qualities that can transform Nigeria.