THE African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) has graduated 73 students from its leadership school and cautioned them against corruption.
Founding Executive Director (FED) of the Centre, Dr Otive Igbuzor, gave the advice at the 23rd Bi-Annual Leadership Lecture and Graduation Ceremony of the the Set 23 of the Centre in Abuja.
The ceremony with the theme, “Leadership and Anti-Corruption Measures” was organised by Centre LSD in Partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
He explained that the birth of the Centre came into reality based on the conviction that “Everything rises and falls on leadership”.
Igbuzor added that many Nigerians were in positions of power without leadership skills,
According to him, corruption has long been recognised as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s progress.
“It weakens institutions, erodes public trust, distorts development priorities, and deepens poverty.
“History and experience show that anti-corruption is not merely a technical matter of laws and regulations; it is a matter of leadership and values.
“Effective leaders set the tone from the top, model integrity, build systems of accountability, and mobilise citizens to resist corruption.
“Where leaders demonstrate integrity, institutions flourish, where they fail, institutions crumble,” he said.
He further explained that anti-corruption measures must be comprehensive; encompassing prevention, detection, enforcement, and most importantly, a culture of integrity.
“Anti-corruption measures must address systems, encourage sanctions and reward in the society. These require political will, civic engagement, and courageous leadership at all levels,” he noted.
The FED reminded the graduates that leadership was not about personal gains, but service, not about rhetoric, but action.
“Let your leadership journey be anchored on character, competence, courage, and compassion. Be ambassadors of integrity.
“Resist the temptation to conform to corruption. Instead, challenge the status quo, be a force for justice, and contribute actively to the transformation of Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
He also congratulated the newly matriculated Set 25 of the Centre and appreciated stakeholders including Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), for the enduring support to the Centre which started since 2010.
In his address of welcome, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mr Monday Osasah, commended the 73 graduates for their commitment, dedication during studies.
In their addresses, the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the event, Mr Soji Apampa and Ms Ojobo Atuluku respectively, congratulated the Set 23 and tasked them to be worthy ambassadors of the Centre.
In his lecture, the Executive Director of Lux Terra Foundation, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani harped on the fundamentals of effective leadership in which he supported his assertions with quotations from the Holy Bible.
According to him, countries are built on values, and vision and not the amount of resources they have.
Newsextra24 reports that high points of the event were the presentation of different categories of awards and certificates, and panel discussion on how to fight corruption from the home front and work place.
