Leadership And Development Initiative Honours Prominent Nigerians Over Contribution To National Development
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Leadership and Development Initiative yesterday yesterday honoured some prominent Nigerians for their exceptional leaders and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to leadership development and excellence.
The ceremony which took place at the Ehizua Hub Event Centre, Opposite ITV Glass House, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State capital was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff to Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Pius Alile.
In his welcome address, the Projector Coordinator, Leadership And Developments Awards, Dr. Pastor Sunny Duke Okosun said he was particularly concerned by the fact that there seems to be a gulf between leadership and development evident in the dearth of development that dots the length and breadth of our society.
He noted that this initiative will promote a culture of excellence in leadership and community development and we look forward to partnering with organizations and individuals to make this vision a reality.
This initiative aims, Pastor Okosun added is to address the leadership gap in our communities by providing a platform for leadership development, mentorship and networking.
“The Leadership and Development Initiative (LDI) is a comprehensive program designed to identify, develop, and empower emerging leaders in various sectors,” he added.
Delivery his lecture with the topic: “Addressing Development Challenges Through Transformational Leadership”, the guest speaker,
Dr. Daniel Ofomegbe Ekhareafo, HOD, Mass Communication Department, University of Benin, said transformational leadership has become a pivotal concept in addressing the complex socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by developing countries.
Dr. Pastor Sunny Duke Okosu
Project Coordinator, Leadership And Developments Awards
According to him, rooted in the principles of vision, inspiration, and change management, transformational leadership emphasizes the role of leaders in motivating and enabling individuals to achieve common goals that transcend self-interest. “In the context of sustainable development, transformational leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, equity, and long-term resilience.
“Introduced by Burns (1978) and further developed by Bass (1985), transformational leadership comprises four key components: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.”
In conclusion, Dr. Ekhareafo emphasized that transformational leadership is a powerful catalyst for sustainable development in developing countries. By inspiring vision, fostering innovation, and empowering communities, transformational leaders can address the multifaceted challenges of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
He noted that realizing this potential requires overcoming institutional weaknesses, resource constraints, and resistance to change. Through capacity building, institutional strengthening, technology adoption, and collaboration, developing countries can cultivate transformational leaders who drive progress toward a sustainable future.
The success stories of leaders like Nelson Mandela, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Wangari Maathai he pointed out underscore the transformative impact of visionary and inclusive leadership. As developing nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, transformational leadership will remain a cornerstone of sustainable development.
High point of the activities was the presentation of awards to some Nigerians and some organisations. The categories are: Leadership Excellence Award, Development Excellence Award, Organisation of the Year Award, Emerging Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
While speaking to The9jaTREND at the end of the event, some of the awardees deeply appreciated the organiser of the programme especially Dr. Pastor Sunny Duke Okosun, the Project Coordinator for recognizing the individuals that contributed to the growth of our society and pray that the programme shall be a continue exercise for the betterment of the society.
Some of those who received 2024 Leadership And Development Award are: Ezekiel Asemah, Vice Chancellor, Glorious Mission University Ogwa, Edo State, Hon. Barr. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, Majority Leader, EDHA, Hon. Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff Edo Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Peter Iwelomen, Publisher, Esan Magazine, amongst others too numerous to mention.
