What Nigeria needs to move forward is inclusive growth- Prof Sam Guobadia
Everistus Onwuzurike
Nigerian leaders at all levels of governance have been urged to promote inclusive growth in charting a way forward for the country. Prof. Sam Guobadia, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Benson Idahosa made this known at a leadership summit organized by a non-governmental organization, Strategic Leadership Academy, SLA, in conjunction with Scripture Communication Network, SCN, at Benson Idahosa University.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Prof Sam Guobadia who spoke on taking bold economic steps through audacity of Leadership stated that “the outcome we must seek as a country can be found in inclusive growth.”
According to him, “inclusive growth means uplifting people and the role of the government in taking bold economic steps.
Our Government has to make use of fiscal policy as one of its major instruments.” He said
The Professor of Economics further added that “if our resources are adequately managed, it would affect us positively,” adding “that unemployment in the country has reached over 60 per cent.”
The summit tagged “Audacity of Leadership” also had as speakers the President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B Idahosa; Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof Eghosa Osaghae; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Prof Sam Guobadia; Zonal Coordinator, Church of God Mission, Rev. Wale Ajayi; Convener of the summit, and Director of Academic planning, Dr Mark Ighile, among others.
In his welcome address, convener of the summit, Dr Mark Ighile, stated that the prevalent situation of things in the society necessitated the leadership summit and thus the year’s theme. Dr Ighile said “We are in a society where leaders know what to do but they don’t know how to do it, thus you find them not being able to act in the truth.”
According to him, the summit was structured to emphasize on the audacity of leadership and the courage that must be injected into the phenomena and exercise of leadership
He also added that the boldness inherent in leaders is expected to stir up the acting enterprise because it is very possible to know what to do but not knowing how to go about it.
Dr. Ighile further stated that the summit is of the philosophy that only audacious leaders can live their dreams.
On his part, the President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B Idahosa, advised youth leaders, administrators, scholars and business executives to have a strong sense of conviction, stating that with such conviction people would not ride on their decisions. “Your dream cannot be imprisoned, all you can do is to give strength to your dream” he stated, adding that “without audacity which is courage, leadership is useless.”
While speaking at the event, the Zonal coordinator of Church of God Mission, Rev Wale Ajayi, strongly charged the audience to have courage in whatever they do. Rev Ajayi who spoke on “The force of courage” said that courage is a major ingredient for a successful and impactful leadership.
He further gave an allusion to the bible on how Joshua displayed courage to become a successful leader. According to him, “it is knowledge that drives courage and it is the knowledge of God’s presence.”
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, urged the youths never to give up their daily struggles, stating that audacity comes from being courageous and the ability to see the future.
Prof Osaghe, however charged President Muhammadu Buhari to be audacious in his dealings, especially with matters that have to do with the economic affairs of the country.
Meanwhile, Strategic Leadership is a non-governmental organization that is devoted to the establishment of leadership values in the society.