The Postgraduate Students Association (POGSASS) of the University of Ilorin held its annual Leadership Summit yesterday, themed “Empowering the Future, Leadership in a Dynamic World.” The event brought together students, academics, and distinguished guests to discuss leadership and honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the discourse of leadership in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, represented by Prof. Suleiman Ambali, welcomed participants and emphasized the university’s commitment to excellence. “We are known for excellence both in academics and morals. This leadership summit will not be different. I am sure by the end of this summit, we will all leave here having enriched our knowledge of leadership in a dynamic world.”
The president of the Association, Abdullahi Isiaq Toyin, in his welcome speech, expressed gratitude to the lecturers, personalities, and postgraduate students present for attending the event. He highlighted a few of his tenure’s achievements, including the facilitation of a postgraduate research grant for PG students sponsored by Senator Sadiq Umar, the senator representing Kwara North, and the organization of this leadership summit.
Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the Kwara State Governor, described the qualities of a leader in his speech. He stated that a political leader must combine education and character to positively impact public services. Leaders must gauge the needs of their people, understand their journey and aspirations, and promote their interests while balancing two overlapping leadership philosophies. Additionally, a leader must be empathetic.
Addressing the issue of government responses to protests, he noted that there is no unbiased answer. He highlighted the economic damage caused by the looting and hijacking of the End SARS protest by thugs and stated that the government aimed to prevent similar occurrences.
Hon. Mohammed Funsho Abdullahi, Chief of Staff to the Minister of State for Youth Development, was among the honorees, receiving an award for leadership excellence. He expressed gratitude and acknowledged the recognition as a call to continue striving for excellence.
Among the honorees were Professor Bamidele Victor Owoyele, Dean of the Postgraduate School, recognized for his exceptional leadership in academia; Dr. Gbadewole Amos Kayode, MD/CEO of Crown Luxury Properties, for his contributions to real estate development; Mr. Muhammed Funsho Abdullahi, Chief of Staff to the Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development, for his outstanding leadership in youth development; Engr. Jimoh Bolanle Shuaib, Chief Engineer at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), honored for his work in engineering and space research; Barrister Ibrahim Atanda, Founder of Ar-Raheem International Schools, acknowledged for his dedication to education; Alhaji Amodu Kamororudeen Taye, Chairman/CEO of Good Car Company, for his entrepreneurial success; Alhaji AbdulRahman Olayinka Onikijipa, Kwara State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), for his leadership in the transport sector; Engr. Awolola Tope Jacob, Assistant General Manager at Larakek Ultimate Limited, for his engineering achievements; Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, Executive Chairman of Kwara Internal Revenue Service, recognized for her excellence in public service; Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, who delivered the keynote address, for his contributions to public communication; and Honorable Mohammed Baba Ibrahim, Bursar of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, for his leadership in financial management.
The summit featured panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on effective leadership in a rapidly changing world. Participants praised the event for its insightful discussions and inspiring stories of leadership excellence.
The Leadership Summit is an annual event organized by POGSASS to promote leadership development and excellence among postgraduate students and beyond. This year’s event was attended by over 200 participants, including students, academics, and professionals from various fields.