Building The Next Generation Of Political Leaders In Nigeria: Senator Liyel Imoke’s emerging political leaders fellowship, by Baba Abdullahi Machina
Nigeria, like many other countries, is in dire need of strong and visionary leaders who can steer the nation toward a brighter future. Effective political leadership is critical for the development and progress of any society, and it is therefore important to invest in the development of future leaders. Senator Liyel Imoke, a highly visionary leader in Nigeria, has demonstrated this through his visionary approach and leadership qualities reminiscent of great leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere. One of his notable initiatives is the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, a program aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership positions at various levels of political leadership.
The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship is an intensive, non-partisan political leadership development project that provides fellows with a comprehensive curriculum delivered by a distinguished group of politicians, development experts, historians, civil society leaders, and religious figures. The program aims to equip young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to become effective political leaders and make a positive impact in their communities. By participating in this program, young leaders have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge and understanding of various issues, and gain valuable insights into the political process. They also have the chance to network with other young leaders and build relationships that can help them in their future careers.
The impact of programs like the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship can be seen in other countries where similar initiatives have been implemented. For example, the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa has established a leadership program that trains young leaders from across the country in the principles and values of Nelson Mandela, which has been credited with helping to build a new generation of leaders who are committed to serving their communities. Similarly, the Kassim Ibrahim Fellowship in Nigeria and the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the USA and its Regional Centers in Africa are also examples of successful leadership programs that train young African leaders in various skills and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.
By investing in the future of political leaders and committing themselves to the development and well-being of their communities political leaders can ensure that they leave a lasting legacy of service and positive change. Senator Liyel Imoke’s initiative of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, along with programs like the Kassim Ibrahim Fellowship and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, is a prime example of the kind of visionary leadership that can have a lasting impact on the development of a country. By following their example, political leaders in Nigeria can ensure that they are remembered as leaders who made a real difference in the lives of the people they served.
The power of political leadership development cannot be underestimated, and the lessons learned from Senator Liyel Imoke’s Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship and other programs should serve as an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive difference in their communities and by investing in the development of future leaders, Nigeria can shape its future and build a brighter, more prosperous future for its citizens and also our political leaders in the North should learn from the Model of Senator Liyel Imoke and Malam Nasiru Elrufai
Baba Abdullahi Machina is an Alumnus Fellow of the Emerging Political Leadership Fellowship and an initiative of the Bridge Leadership Foundation in Nigeria.
