Ondo State deputy governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, has reiterated the need for structured leadership training for individuals aspiring to public office, describing it as a critical foundation for purposeful governance and sustainable national development.
He spoke on Thursday while hosting the leadership of the Ondo/Ekiti Chapter of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), to a dinner at the Government House in Akure.
AANI is the umbrella body for past participants of the Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau state.
Speaking during the dinner, the deputy governor stressed that effective leadership requires continuous capacity building, noting that essential components of leadership training include analytical thinking, policy formulation, project design and management, as well as strategic decision-making.
Adelami, who was a participant in the Senior Executive Course 30 of NIPSS in 2008, commended the founding fathers of the institute for their foresight in establishing a platform that has continued to produce quality leaders and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
He also urged governments at all levels to accord serious consideration to the recommendations and policy proposals generated by NIPSS participants, describing them as products of rigorous research and well-informed studies, aimed at addressing challenges across various sectors of the economy.
Highpoint of the night was the official announcement of Adelami as the Patron of AANI Ondo/Ekiti Chapter, with a broad responsibility of providing guidance, support and strategic direction to foster the growth and development of the association in both states.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of AANI Ondo/Ekiti chapter, Dr. Akinjide Akinleye, acknowledged the positive impact of NIPSS training on the deputy governor’s leadership style and contributions to governance.
Akinleye also presented a number of requests, including engagement of AANI members in policy and decision-making processes, provision of a state secretariat for the association, and sponsorship of members to national programmes and events.
The meeting was attended by some members of the association and government officials, including Prof. Lawal Oyeneyin, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, Mr. Tope Lebile, Dr. O. Fakunle, Dr. Michael Ojo, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Kola Falohun.
