As part of requisite skills required to discharge their duties of office creditably, the Executive Members of the Alimosho Youth Development Association of Nigeria (AYDAN), have attended a one-day training on Leadership and Social Activism.
The training, which was held virtually over the weekend, was facilitated by the duos of Comrade Kehinde Adegboyega, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, and Mr. Bashir Abolore Muse, a Business Executive Coach.
While Adegboyega, who is also the Convener of Africa International Human Rights Film Festival, spoke on the topic, “Relationship between Human Rights and Public Good ,” Muse’s lecture was centered on ” Leadership as a driver of Development.”
The AYDAN executive members was led by the President, Comrade Shakirudeen Bankole Adeshina, a seasoned Journalist, Corporate Communications Strategist, and Social Development Advocate.
Other members Of the AYDAN Group that were trained were Comrade Ola-Lawal Mubarak, the Secretary, who is a seasoned journalist and an editor with Opomulero Online News; Comrade Jokosanya Oluwatosin Faizat, the Treasurer, who is an entrepreneur by profession; Comrade Israel Olajide, the Internal Auditor, a tax practitioners by profession; Comrade Kafayat Gbadamosi, the Welfare Director, who is also an entrepreneur by profession; and Comrade Adetoye Oketokun, the Public Relations Officer, who is a grassroot political mobiliser.
In his presentation, Adegboyega advised that it is no brainier to know that the AYDAN Executive Members may have some preferences for some political leaders , “but the importance of public accountability and respect for the fundamental human rights of the populace should override such biases.
‘It has now become your job to represent the millions of the governed peiole in the entire Alimosho Local Government Area. It is your job to educate them about their rights and civic responsibilities. This would help promote social consciousness, which is a key component of democratic governance,” he advised.
Adegboyega said the essence of democracy is for the few elected officials to fairly administer and distribute the resources of the country for the good of the people.
“Water, electricity, schools, hospitals, good roads, safety and security are all the fundamental human rights of he people, including freedom of expression and association. These rights are more realise-able when credible people are elected into political positions, and when there are organisations like AYDAN that helps to hold them to account,” he said.
On his part, Muse said among other qualities of good leadership, personal integrity, courage, and emotional intelligence, are the most important.
“As leaders who are fighting for the fundamental human rights of the people, you all must not be caught in the act of any fraud whatsoever. Personal integrity is your important tool as a leader. You must to be seen or heard to he abusing the rights of the others. Another one is the courage to lead and address the issues that affect the people. A good leader must have the courage to lead from the front, confront the challenges being faced by its people and go all out to help them find respite..
” Another important skill is Emotional Intelligence. Empathy is an instrument of loyalty. A leader needs the people to be loyal so they can respond whenever the leaders call upon them. Emotional intelligence makes people see that a leader cares, and the best way they would reward such is is my giving their loyalty,” Muse added.
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