By Michael Ovat – Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has challenged secondary school students in Anambra State to dervelop leadership qualities that promote creativity, innovation, self-reliance, and national development, rather than relying on others to solve their challenges.
The governor gave the charge while declaring open, the maiden edition of Leadership training programme for Senior Prefects and Disciplinarians across the state, held at the International Convention center in Awka on Friday, November 13th, 2026.
The one-day programme was proudly organized by the office of the Special Adviser to governor Soludo on Youth Reformation, headed by Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha.
Speaking further, Soludo who was represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, urged them to study hard in order to move from onsumption to productive leadership after graduation.
Ibezim while commending Dr Omenugha for initiating the training programme for the Anambra students, described the event as educating and mentorship.
In his welcome speech, the Special Adviser to the governor on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha, said the initiative was designed in line with Soludo’s vision to prepare students for responsible leadership early in life, particularly as many young Nigerians became increasingly discouraged about the country’s future.
Omenugha noted that the growing perception that Nigeria had little to offer young people had contributed to the exodus of talented Nigerians and resources abroad, stressing the need to change this narrative by raising a generation committed to contributing to national development.
According to him, secondary schools provide an appropriate environment for developing leadership values because students are already exposed to democratic processes through the election of prefects in schools.
He said: “This is the best time to start inculcating in them the right values and leadership principles. They should not only think about what their country can do for them but also what they can give and contribute to it.
“The idea is to move them from a consumptive entitlement mindset to one that creates, innovates and gives back to society.”
Omenugha urged the students to take responsibility for their future, think outside the box, and become examples that inspire other young people.
He noted that many young Nigerians were waiting for people to demonstrate that success and positive change were possible, adding that students must be prepared to provide such examples through their actions and selfless contributions.
He noted further that the office under his watch is planning to establish leadership clubs in secondary schools to help students interact regularly, share ideas and develop shared leadership values.
The Special Adviser explained that the clubs would also serve as platforms for connecting students with government and other resource providers, exposing them to leadership development opportunities and programmes within and outside Nigeria.
He commended the participating schools, students, teachers, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations and the media for making the maiden edition a huge success.
In his speech, the Managing Director of Zobis Cable Limited, Mr John Ezeobi, urged the students to develop innovative ideas and identify opportunities to create value for themselves and society after graduation.
He said the Anambra State Government had established structures to support creativity and innovation, citing the Office of the Youth Reformation as one platform where teachers and students could seek support for worthwhile initiatives.
Ezeobi, who commended Governor Soludo for his administration’s support for education, said students should not limit their ambitions to academic achievements but also identify and develop their individual talents.
In his speech, the presider of the event and the Chief Executive Officer of Naira Rice limited, Mr Arinze Erowena, identified discipline, determination, and active participation in governance as essential qualities young people must develop to become effective leaders.
He urged students to remain focused on their aspirations despite challenges and distractions, noting that discipline helped individuals stay committed to their responsibilities and long-term goals.
Erowena, advised the students to be patient and remain steadfast in their pursuits, stressing that success requires commitment and the ability to follow the right path.
The event also featured award presentation tagged ‘Thank You” to Naira Rice limited management team and others.
