Dearth of visionary leadership, bane of Nigeria’s development - Oyebanji

Dearth of visionary leadership, bane of Nigeria’s development - Oyebanji .

….Gives reason for introducing values orientation in Ekiti schools. 

Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has cited the need to build visionary leadership qualities in Ekiti children as reason for the introduction of Values Education in primary and secondary school curriculum in the state. 

Governor Oyebanji added that the state has made the subject - Ekiti Values Education- a compulsory subject with particular focus on leadership development aimed at teaching children the meaning, types and practical exposure to leadership training from primary schools.

The Governor, who made this known at the opening ceremony of Domfas International Leadership Academy in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said the curriculum aimed to raise students’ self-awareness about their individual roles as a member of the future leadership train as well as prepare them to face the challenges of building a future through selflessness, honesty and integrity.

While commending the founder of the academy for siting the school in Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji stressed that the school will further complement his administration’s ongoing effort to prepare Ekiti with a league of future leaders who have been well exposed and trained on the role and responsibility of a leader.

He added that Nigeria as a nation needs an array of visionary and positively ambitious leaders capable of dissipating their brilliant minds towards achieving a more refined and egalitarian Nigeria.

He noted that while many pungent critics have seen this problem as a bane of Nigeria’s development, they have not been able to suggest useful solution to it in the right way.

“I am glad that the vision of Domfas compliments ours in many intersections of purpose. I therefore wholeheartedly welcome the arrival of this academy in our State, as it will further expand the frontier of learning and empowerment of Ekiti people and beyond. 

 “This school will further complement our ongoing effort to prepare Ekiti with a league of future leaders who have been well exposed and trained on the role and responsibility of a leader.  Our strategy as a State was to evolve a curriculum that prepares our future leaders to leadership competence right from the primary school. As a result, we currently run a compulsory subject called Ekiti Values Education with a considerable module that focuses on leadership development. 

“The subject aims to teach young Ekiti children the meaning of leadership, types of leadership, responsibility of a leader and practical leadership exposure. It aims to raise their self-awareness about their individual roles as a member of the future leadership and to prepare them to face the challenge of building a future through selflessness”.

In his remarks, the founder and president of the Academy, Dr Tunji Arowolo noted that the institution was dedicated to providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potentials.

Dr Arowolo noted that the motto of the academy “Transforming Learners into Leaders” reflected commitment to fostering academic excellence, critical thinking and leadership skill in every student in a state where education takes center stage.

Also at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeoye Aribasoye, his deputy, (Rt. Hon.)  Bolaji Olagbaju, members of the state House of Assembly and executive council, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, represented by his wife, Eyesorun Adejugbe among others.