Nation Building: Why leaders must adopt the right communication —Experts

Experts have said that for the task of nation-building to be successfully accomplished, it has become imperative for leaders to adopt the right communication that will inspire others, especially the emerging ones.

The experts, comprising of policy makers, business leaders and emerging leaders, made this submission at a one-day summit, organised by the Lateef Jakande Academy in Lagos, recently.

Speaking at the summit, designed to prepare the younger ones for leadership positions, and change the not-too-pleasant narratives about the nation’s image, the experts believed it has become imperative for those saddled with the responsibility to lead, in any capacity, to be cautious of whatever they utter in public, since such utterances will go a long way in moulding opinions about the country.

Speaking at the Summit, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the importance of leaders choosing their words wisely, amidst Nigeria’s challenges.

He cautioned leaders against speaking recklessly, since they are seen as role models, whose words can mould or break the country’s image.

He also harped on the need for leaders to provide ideas and direction, with younger people, drawing from their past experiences and mistakes.

Also speaking at the event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Gemstone Group, Fela Durotoye believed for any nation to grow, such nation must have the right kind of leaders, who are ever ready in the task of nation-building.

He noted that besides using the right communication, leaders and nation-builders must have that genuine love for their nation, desire a great nation, and be willing to make sacrifices.

Durotoye charged today’s leaders to emulate the Indian boy, who took it upon himself, to remove a fallen tree from a road, and through such selfless act, inspire others to join him.

Another speaker, Lord Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, Uganda, His Worship Fabrice Brad Rulinda, urged Africans to begin to build and develop the continent, with the right communication, attitude and policies.

While insisting the continent will not be built by strangers, Entebbe called on the Nigerian youth to stay in Africa, to enable them make meaningful impact about the development of the continent.

He also stressed the need for leaders to focus on driving meaningful change and shaping policies, while also empowering young leaders to take initiative and make decisions.

In her speech, Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, explained that the summit created a unique space for emerging leaders, policymakers, and business executives to engage in thought-provoking discussions on transformative leadership, economic realities, governance and the role of young leaders in shaping policy and driving meaningful societal change.

She noted that the summit engaged with over 5000 young leaders and generated actionable insights that have informed youth policies and strategies in Lagos and beyond.

She described the summit as more than gathering young people in Lagos, but a convergence of purpose, a catalytic platform, where ideas meet executive, and where emerging and established leaders are inspired to think beyond themselves and build systems that outlive them.

Akin Adewakun