It was an exciting moment at the 1st Golden footprints leadership conference which held on Friday, 25th May at Prof. Eyo Ita House Calabar. The hall was filled to the brim with young people from different backgrounds eager to learn leadership skills.
The conference was tagged ‘Preparing the youth for leadership’. The convener, Barr. Patience Obim in her welcome remarks shared her desire to see young people grow, she said “Many years ago, I was a youth and was not opportune to have many things, God used people to give me platforms at different levels of my life. Today is a dream come true for me as I have been looking forward to create platforms for young people to rise. I don’t want you to get to my age with regrets.”
The Convener, Barr. Patience Obim
The first speaker at the conference, Mr. Maurice Ibok who spoke on humanitarian service in leadership expressed that humanitarian services can help self development and employment to the public; He noted “As a good leader, you must be honest, knowledgeable, focus and fair.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor Cross River State on Youth Affairs shared on developing character for sound leadership.
According to him, “Your character is what makes you a good leader, character is an instrument of leadership, if you cannot lead yourself, you cannot lead the public, when you misuse yourself, you will surely misuse the public. Being a leader does not mean you must have money, but have the right character in you and people will follow you.”
In addition, Umanah Udoma who spoke on Mentorship disclosed that, our old leaders have refused to leave the office because they always want the followers to remain the followers.
“We need to leverage on mentorship platforms to grow our mental capabilities. There are models that have worked for nations, lets come together to make Nigeria great. The greatest mistake Nigerians youth ever make is to value liability more than assets”, Udoma said.
Mrs. Justin Ovat, SSA/GM Tinapa Lakeside Hotel while speaking also disclosed the many opportunities for the youths in hospitality value chain.
“Why do we keep using foreign soup, pillows, etc. Why are the youths not supplying garri, vegetables to hotels.
Ada Chris who spoke on the importance of sincere followership and why young people are not living up to the plate to receive sound lessons from people ahead of them.
Participants expressed their delight in the knowledge gain at the summit and looked forward to more of such events happening in Calabar.