Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged Nigerian youths to become agents of change by applying their knowledge and skills to serve their communities and the nation.
Speaking at the launch of the third cohort of trainees for the Legislative Mentorship Institute (LMI), Gbajabiamila encouraged the 50 participants to seize available opportunities to uplift others.
He emphasised that true leadership is measured not by how many people one can bring down but by how many one can elevate.
He said: “The great thing about leadership is how many people you pull up. As we try to pull you up, my prayer is that in your time, use whatever you learned here to pull others up. The road ahead will not always be smooth, but it is by overcoming these obstacles that true leaders are made.
“You are not just joining the LMI programme, you are becoming part of the family, my family. The LIM began with the first cohort in 2022, expanded with the second cohort in 2023, and now embraces you as the third. This is a new beginning, not just for you, but for LMI. It is a new chapter in our collective journey towards shaping the future of Nigeria and Africa at large.
“Out of over 5000 applicants, you are among the 50 that were selected. I hope and pray that you see it as a privilege and not as a right because there are no rights in this world. Everything is a privilege either from God or from someone for whatever reason.
“I want to charge you to make every single day that you are here count for something. You are not here because you are lucky neither are you here because you are better. You have been chosen because we see in you, the potential to lead and drive positive change. I encourage you to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and to continue to push the boundaries of what you believe is possible.
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“When I was growing up, I didn’t have the privilege of having people mentor me in a formal setting aside from the mentorship you get from your parents. I wish I had such mentorship of how things work in public office, especially in legislative business. I am glad that what I could not get, I am able to impact others. Leadership is not about titles, but about inspiring others to grow and achieve greatness alongside you.
“The great thing about leadership is how many people you pull up. As we try to pull you up, my prayer is that in your time, use whatever you learned here to pull others up. The road ahead will not always be smooth, but it is by overcoming these obstacles that true leaders are made.
“The LMI programme is designed to be a guiding light for you as you learn the competitiveness of leadership in Nigeria and beyond. My vision for you is simple but profound. That you leave this programme as catalysts for change, by applying what you have learnt in service to your community and your country.”
Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Abubakar Suleiman, said the trainees were embarking on a journey that will challenge them, enrich them, and prepare them for the pivotal roles they are destined to play in shaping the future of our nation.
Suleiman said the trainees will be exposed to learning opportunities that will not only expand their intellectual horizons, but also instill in them the core values of leadership, integrity, and service.
He said: “You will have the privilege to engage with some of the finest minds, both nationally and internationally, explore the intricacies of our legislative processes, and contribute your own insights to the ongoing discourse on governance and democracy. Our hope for you is that throughout your time here, you will not only absorb knowledge but also inspire others through your actions and your commitment to the principles of good governance.
“Our hope for you is that your time here will be more than an academic exercise—it will be a catalyst for growth and a source of inspiration. Through your actions, may you embody the principles of good governance and inspire others to follow suit.
“NILDS is more than a place of learning; it is a place of transformation, and as the institutional home of the LMI, we strongly believe in nurturing leaders who are not only equipped with technical skills but who are also driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make a difference. We are excited to see how each of you will grow, evolve, and contribute to the legacy of the LMI programme.”