The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe and the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, have harped on leadership skills and patriotism as part of qualities in raising good leaders.
They spoke at a Youth Leader Clinic organised by the Kaduna State Post Graduate Students from the University of Abuja, as part of their study programme at the Kaduna State University (KASU).
In her speech, Dr Balarabe said the Clinic was a unique opportunity to empower young people on leader knowledge, skills, and patriotism required to guide Nigeria.
Represented by Malam Rilwan Hassan, a Special Adviser, the Deputy Governor said, “This training is a unique opportunity to empower young people on leader knowledge, skills, and patriotism required to guide Nigeria towards a bright future. Youths are the foundation of the progress of any nation.
“Their energy, creativity, and determination are vital to positive change.
“Leadership, however, is not about merely holding positions. It is about responsibility, solving problems, and inspiring others. We will continue to prioritize education, health care, and social protection to provide the tools children need to succeed.”
She maintained that leadership at any level comes with responsibility and effective leadership requires carrying everybody along regardless of tribe or religion by ensuring that everyone is treated fairly.
The Emir of Zazzau said that taking good decisions, was a cogent quality of a good leader.
“The most important ingredients of leadership are honesty, integrity, fairness, and courage. You can never be a good leader if you choose to stay by the edge. A leader must be able to take decisive decisions that are beneficial to the people.
“Nepotism should be set aside. You have to look at competence above tribe and religion.”
In his remarks, Director Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja, Professor Philip Afaha, represented by Professor Joseph Golwa, said the clinic is aimed at addressig the problem of leadership deficit in thw society.
“The issue of leadership deficit is a problem all over the world, identifying this and having institution meant to focus on building leadership people.
“What our postgraduate students are doing today is to train the young ones on leadership skills,” he said.