Federal Lawmaker Calls For Accountability In Leadership Roles

A member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has called for accountability in all spheres of leadership.

Prof Ihonvbere representing Owan Federal Constituency in the national Assembly made the call while delivering the 6th convocation lecture of the Edo University Iyamho, titled: “Equipping the Next Generation For Leadership, Innovation and Service To Humanity”.

Prof Ihonvbere who is the House Leader in the house of representatives said that leadership roles come with responsibilities and therefore urged leaders in the country to be transparent and honest at all times.

“If we wish to discuss how to prepare or equip our next generation for leadership, we must admit that not everyone must or should lead. But if we see leadership as the process of empowering individuals with the ability to be perceptive, innovative, creative, patriotic and productive, then everyone must be exposed to leadership training opportunities weather formal or informal”, he said.

According to him, leadership is not just about access to or holding political office; but about conviction, confidence, inspiration, influence and a positive disposition to doing good for man and community.

To be a leader, he said, one must display a commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency, holistic appreciation of history and possibilities and give people hope.

“One must be able to effectively communicate ideas and solutions, mobilise peers and followers in a direction of progress and renewal.

“He must seek feedback from the people, listen to the yearnings of supporters and foes, mentor the young and encourage people to go beyond established boundaries of creativity and innovation”.

The guest Lecturer who identified leadership as strong-will, capacity to work and compassion, said, a true leader must have the consistent ability to rise above primordial proclivities, and have the capacity to mobilise and inspire the people.

He further stated that the nation need a leadership with the political will and courage to mobilise and propel Nigerians to the next level of growth, development and democratic consolidation.

While urging the people to hold their leaders accountable, Ihonvbere declared, “If we fail to execute structural reforms, rebuild institutions, set national priorities, hold leaders accountable and always insist on the highest standards then, we are equipping the next generation with the wrong vibes, ideas, knowledge and perspectives”.

“They can never generate the strategies required to confront a disjointed, disarticulated, and backward society and nation, hence, we must create mentorship programmes, internships, and opportunities for young people to engage with professionals who can inspire and guide them as they carve their paths in innovation and service.

“This invariably means that it is pertinent we generate a new national discourse to redefine national priorities, identity essential processes and strategies to rebuild, refocus and strengthen national institutions”.

With this, he said, we would be equipping the next generation to move Nigeria into the science and technology-driven world.

Earlier in his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Egbefo said Edo University Iyamho has steadfastly upheld its mandate to ensure that students graduate after their respective programmes on time and without interruptions.

Egbefo noted that since its establishment in 2016, the university has maintained an uninterrupted academic calendar, which has been pivotal in the ability to gather to celebrate the graduates, starting with this important sixth convocation lecture, saying, It is important to note that without the graduation of students, there would be no convocation, and today, we stand proud to honor their achievements.

Congratulating them for being found worthy in both learning and character to receive their degrees from the University, he disclosed that the university will be graduating its sixth students noting that these graduates will be awarded degrees in their chosen disciplines with 14 First-Class Honours, 145 Second-Class Honours (Upper Division), 190 Second-Class Honours (Lower Division), 35 Third-Class Honours, 46 Medical and Surgery Graduates, and 140 postgraduates (including 20 PhD), totaling 570 graduates.

According to him, “Edo University Iyamho is emerging as a world-class institution equipped with cutting-edge teaching, research, and learning facilities. We take great pride in our stable academic calendar, which is unaffected by strikes, something that many public universities in Nigeria faced”.

The AVC further expressed his sincere gratitude to the Edo State Governor and Visitor to the university, Gov. Okpebholo, for his unwavering support for the institution, the founding fathers of the university, particularly Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whose leadership led to the establishment of the university.

Prof Egbefo said the convocation ceremonies, including the lecture, have placed Edo University Iyamho in the public spotlight as a center of excellence, providing quality education and contributing to the development of the youth, particularly in Edo State and across Nigeria.

On his part, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olusegun O. Akinyinka, a professor of Paediatrics said leadership good or bad provided by teachers, parents and civil societies, political and spiritual leaders is expected to be archored on vision and integrity with capacity to inspire in our collaborative actions.

“As teachers or leaders, we bear the responsibility of mentoring the future leaders which embodied empathy and accountabilities. Leadership and innovation must be guniuenly and inspired our students and graduates to embrace service to our community with passion and purpose” he stated.