The Bells University of Technology Student Union recently organized a pioneering leadership summit, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to address the pressing issue of ineffective and unethical leadership in Nigeria and across the African continent. The event, dubbed “The South-West Leadership Summit,” was conceived out of a profound concern for the detrimental impact that poor leadership has had on the region’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its citizens.
Recognizing the university’s pivotal role as an educational institution dedicated to nurturing future leaders, the Student Union, under the dynamic leadership of Tobi Animashaun, took the initiative to host this groundbreaking summit. The aim was to foster a culture of ethical and effective leadership among students and to inspire them to take on leadership roles that could drive positive change.
The summit brought together a diverse array of speakers from both the corporate and government sectors, all of whom shared their insights and experiences on the theme “The Role of Leadership in the 21st Century.” This theme was chosen to highlight the evolving demands and responsibilities of leaders in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. The event commenced with opening remarks from the Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Professor Jeremiah Ojediran, who emphasized the critical need for visionary leadership in addressing contemporary challenges.
The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Ayo-Ponle Adefowoke, a distinguished lawyer and leader known for her contributions to both the corporate world and civic engagement. Her speech underscored the importance of integrity, accountability, and innovation in leadership. She challenged the attendees to not only aspire to leadership positions but also to embody the qualities of true leaders who can inspire and effect meaningful change.
Throughout the summit, various sessions and panel discussions covered a wide range of topics pertinent to leadership. These included ethical leadership, the role of partnership in modern leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and strategies for effective governance. Notable speakers such as Mr. Gbenle Habeeb, Co-founder and CEO of Stecs, an ethical and alternative fintech startup, Mr. Muhammed Mustapha, a published author of Switching Lanes and publisher of Techmoonshot a tech media publishing platform, and Mrs Chinonso Clark, the founder of Lead For Good Africa, provided valuable perspectives and practical advice.
To show appreciation to the speakers and panelists, a recognition and award ceremony followed. The Vice-Chancellor presented the awards to the panelists, honoring their valuable contributions to the summit.
In his closing remarks, Tobi Animashaun expressed his gratitude to all the speakers and participants for their contributions to the success of the summit. He reiterated the Student Union’s commitment to continuing this important dialogue and to promoting leadership development initiatives within the university and beyond.
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The South-West Leadership Summit was more than just an event; it was a call to action for the next generation of African leaders. By fostering a culture of ethical and effective leadership, The Bells University of Technology aims to make a lasting impact on the future of the continent. The summit’s success has set a precedent for future initiatives and highlighted the university’s role as a beacon of leadership development in Nigeria and Africa.
