- Safiu Kehinde
Former Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi, has unveiled a new centre on leadership, the Amandlia Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement.
Fayemi unveiled the centre at his 60th birthday commemorative lecture held in Abuja on Thursday.
In attendance at the event are political big wigs which include Vice President Kashim Shettima, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Atiku Abubakar; former All Progressive Congress (APC) interim Chairman, Bisi Akande; and former Military Head of States, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) amongst others.
Speaking at the event, Yakubu Gowon lauded Fayemi’s leadership and impact on Nigeria’s polity.
He described the ex-Ekiti governor and Minister as an embodiment of perseverance, hard work, and dedication, adding that the former governor has been of positive service to Nigeria.
“As a statesman who has witnessed Nigeria’s journey through various phases, I am delighted to see a new generation of leaders like Dr. Fayemi and his dear wife, who embody the values of integrity, compassion, and selfless service,” he said.
Gowon expressed confidence in his newly unveiled leadership institute as he described his political career as exemplary.
“This occasion marks not only the beginning of a significant initiative but also a commitment to the values of compassion, community, and progress that we hold dear.
“Dr. Fayemi’s ideals and vision is a testament to his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, and I have no doubt that it will make a significant impact in the lives of many.
“His leadership as Governor of Ekiti state and minister of mines and steel development has been exemplary, and I am confident that this Institute will be another feather in his cap.” Gowon added.
On his part, Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event charged African leaders to stop clinging to old habits of depending on foreign plans, stressing the continent is in dire need of leaders who wield policy as a surgical blade instead of a slogan.
According to report, he decried what he described as “the tragedy of our time” whereby African leaders do not only confine themselves to foreign blueprints but have also refused to emancipate themselves from client-state mentalities and governance by hashtag activism.
Shettima labelled the Fayemi’s new leadership centre as an antidote to the dearth of modern day leadership qualities in Africa.
“Whatever our differences across the continent, one fact that can’t be eroded by our infighting is that we are in the age of machines, and we can’t fight our development dilemma with spears and arrows while the rest of the world is fighting the same battle with missiles and tanks. The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up.
“While we parse political rivalries, others parse datasets. While we litigate history, others engineer futures. The train of progress accelerates, yet too many of our leaders cling to old carriages. These are our client-state mentalities, our dependency on foreign blueprints, and our governance by hashtag activism. This is the tragedy of our time.
“The founding of Amandla Institute emerges as an antidote to this paralysis. We are here not only to generate more ideas but to create” Shettima said.
Other dignitaries present at the event include Amina Mohammed, the UN deputy secretary-general; Abiodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state; Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader; and Niyi Adebayo, former governor of Ekiti state.
Among the traditional rulers who graced the event were Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano.
Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, was also present at the event, delivering the keynote address.
The symposium also featured a panel discussion, which focused on ‘Renewing the pan-African ideal for the changing times: The leadership and policy challenges and opportunities’.