…Says first lady office remains committed to initiatives that promote youth empowerment, women inclusion
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani on Friday commended Leadership and Development Initiatives (LDI), the organizers of the 2025 Leadership and Development Awards for their vision and dedication in celebrating individuals and organizations that exemplify outstanding leadership and innovation. She that the Team efforts not only highlight achievements but also inspire others to strive for excellence and responsibility.
Mrs. Anani made the commendation during the 2025 Leadership and Development Awards of the LDI held at Ehizua Hub and Event Centre, on Airport Road, Benin City, the state capital.
While stating that Edo State Office of the First Lady remains committed to initiatives that promote leadership development, youth empowerment, women inclusion, and social transformation Mrs. Anani said that emphasized that Senator Monday Okpebholo-led government believe that when young people and women are empowered, families are strengthened, communities are uplifted, and society thrives.
She noted that the theme of this event, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Innovating for a Sustainable Future,” is both timely and profound. It speaks directly to the urgent need to prepare our present and future generations with the skills, values, and mindset required to navigate an increasingly complex world. She said Leadership in our time must go beyond titles and positions; it must be anchored on service, innovation, integrity, and a clear vision for sustainable development.
According to her, “Leadership empowerment begins with education, mentorship, and opportunity. When we invest in our young people by equipping them with knowledge, encouraging creativity, and providing platforms for growth we are laying the foundation for enduring progress. Innovation, in this context, is not limited to technology alone; it also includes innovative thinking in governance, entrepreneurship, social development, and community engagement.
“A sustainable future demands leaders who are conscious of the environment, committed to social inclusion, and driven by economic responsibility. It calls for leaders who can balance progress with preservation, growth with equity, and ambition with compassion. As a society, we must therefore foster innovation that addresses real challenges, creates jobs, strengthens communities, and improves the quality of life for all.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Sunny Duke Okosun, Team Lead, Leadership and Development Initiatives disclosed that the 2025 Leadership and Development Awards is aimed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of our world.
He said that the awardees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their respective fields. Their stories will inspire us, their achievements will motivate us, and their dedication will challenge us to strive for greatness.
Dr. Okosun said that the theme of the awards, underscores the importance of innovation and leadership in shaping a better world. As we celebrate today’s achievers, we also look to the future, recognizing that the leaders of tomorrow will be those who innovate, collaborate, and prioritize sustainability.
“At Leadership and Development Initiatives, we are committed to identifying, recognizing, and empowering leaders who are making a difference. Through our annual awards, we aim to create a platform for leaders to share their stories, learn from each other, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Going further, Dr. Okosun extend heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and organizers for their tireless efforts in making this event possible. “Your support is a testament to your commitment to empowering tomorrow’s leaders.
“As we celebrate today, let us also look to the future, and ask ourselves: What can we do to empower the next generation of leaders? How can we innovate, collaborate, and prioritize sustainability to create a better world?
“Let us continue to inspire, motivate, and challenge each other to be the leaders we need for a brighter tomorrow.”
In his lecture with the theme: “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Innovating for a Sustainable Future”, Prof. Festus Prosper Olise opined that “Leadership” are sitting as the cure to Nigeria’s problems, but every years, every now and then, we have elections, people are elected, selected, appointed into leadership position and how come we are not getting the best. Could it be as a result that we are not selecting the right people?
He said; “We are creating a seat for the woman. But after some time, we’ll see what will happen. What’s the problem? That’s why we’re here to propose a solution that may be responsible from my perspective. If a door is locked, what do we need to open that door? If a car is locked, what do you need to open that car? Even when the car is open. I hear Artificial Intelligence. Yes, cars can now move without anyone inside. But whatever you do, we need a key. Key.
“In the Christian world, they say Jesus is the master key. But the key we’re talking about is K, E, and Y. The key for leadership is for us to get the best out of our leaders. And for us who are seated, who want to go into leadership role; because of this award, yes, people have been outstanding, they have distinguished themselves. That’s why they want to be given an award. That’s why they are recognized.
“Perhaps some of the awardees are the first lady that came to our presence. You can see, by the time I begin to roll out the key, you’ll begin to see that in her lies the key. That’s the key. K, E, Y. The key for us to go into leadership. One thing that is essential, the first key. No matter what it takes, pursue knowledge.”
Going further, Prof. Olise added: “When you stop learning, you start dying. The moment you stop learning, you stop knowledge. For you to be an exceptional leader, you need knowledge, no matter what it takes. It could also be an education. But experience does not mean that I get experience. Who do you associate with? Who do you interact with? Who are the people you flow with? That can enhance your experience.
“But if you think about the key towards leadership, you will know that to be a youth in mind, in behavior is very essential.”
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Raphael Edokpia, Director of Consultancy Services, University of Benin City, said that looking at Nigeria today, all of the things we talk about is leadership. We see it as a panacea to our daily problems. And so, this gathering is very, very apt at the time when we are yearning for proper leadership.
According to him, we are here today to encourage somebody here to have a think of how he or she wants to contribute to the development of our country, or our state, or wherever we find ourselves, because whatever we do, don’t forget that this is our country, this is a place we can call our own. We should also ask ourselves, what kind of leadership are we ready to ask for from our folks?
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their respective fields which included Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Most Snr. Apostle Dr. Unuefe Ikhuwu, among others too numerous to mention.