Post-graduate scholars of Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), University of Abuja penultimate Thursday 18th September 2025 hosted over 250 students from various secondary schools in Anambra State, to a Youth Leaders Clinic in the capital city Awka.
The event which held at the exquisite hall of Golphins Hotel and Suites, Awka with the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation Leaders”, was organised to empower the students with essential skills and knowledge to excel in their roles as leaders and make positive impact in their communities.
The event, declared open by the Director, Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Philip Dahida, represented by Prof. Ikenna Alumona, had many dignitaries in attendance, including representatives of the State Government, the Royal Father of the Day and Traditional Ruler of Awka, Obi (Dr.) Gibson Nwosu, MON, Eze Uzu II of Awka, represented by a member of his cabinet, Chief Ken Chukwurah among other distinguished personalities.
In his opening remark at the event, Prof. Alumona charged the students to be responsible citizens. He further stated that the future of the of the country would depend on their conduct today. He, therefore, implored them to remain focused, disciplined, and ensure that they put all they had been taught at the clinic to practice, in order to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Several topics were discussed during the paper presentation by the scholars. Topics presented included: Time Management and Prioritisation, Effective Communication and Teamwork, Leadership Style and Modelling, and Problem-Solving and Decision-Making. The students were captivated by the topics, which was evident during the Question and Answer session, when their brilliance was felt in the hall to the admiration of many invited guests at the event.
In the words of one of the excited students, Master Okeke David Ugochukwu, ”May God bless the organisers of this clinic, give them the strength and wisdom to make this happen again for students in Anambra State. We are very delighted to be part of this historic event”.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Royal Father commended the Abuja Leadership Centre and its Management for their foresight in developing a template for solving the leadership problem in Nigeria. He pointed out that by inculcating valuable leadership skills in the students at early stage, the country could boast of securing the future of her citizens through responsible leaders that would be groomed by clinics such as the one envisioned by the ALC.
Also, speaking at the event, a Woman Leader from the State, Hon. Edith Uba commended the organisers for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and praised the participants for availing themselves of the opportunity to learn and grow. Hon. Uba emphasised the importance of integrity, teamwork, and service as essential qualities of effective leadership.
Another guest and Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, Dr. Nelson Omenugha expressed delight that Anambra State was benefiting from a laudable programme like the clinic, and pledged the cooperation and support of the state government in subsequent editions of the programme organised by the Abuja Leadership Centre.
The one-day event was rounded off with presentation of certificates to participants and recognition of outstanding performances by students and their teachers who accompanied them to the venue, and ensured their participation in all activities during the clinic with great excitement.
The Youth Leaders Clinic is a requirement for post-graduate scholars of the Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja for the award M.Sc, Ph. D certificates in Public Governance and Leadership, Policy and Strategic Studies, Military Studies, and other post-graduate courses offered by the University.
A scholar, Francesca Ogochukwu Otteh, in her remark, expressed her appreciation to the Management of Abuja Leadership Centre, the Anambra State Government, the participating schools and their students for the success of the event. She also extended her gratitude to her colleagues for their invaluable contributions and support throughout the journey, which culminated in the huge success recorded by the team.
She concluded by praying that God would use the opportunity provided by the clinic to transform the students to become great leaders that would bring the desired change in Nigeria.
With the successful hosting of the Youth Leaders Clinic in Anambra State by the scholars of Abuja Leadership Centre, the stage is hereby set for the next edition of the programme, which promises to be bigger and better, going by the inspiring lessons and take-aways from the 2025 edition.