Be Disruptors, Udenta Urges Graduates

Political expert and scientist, Professor Udenta O. Udenta, has urged graduates of the Tea-Prime Leadership Academy to be disruptors and rebels within the bounds of the Nigerian constitution if they are to achieve transformational leadership in their various fields of profession.

The don who was a guest speaker at the graduation ceremony attributed the absence of transformational leadership in the country to Nigeria’s social system.

A social system, he said, that is eaten deep by impudence, corruption, impunity and lack of accountability.

“You cannot tell me that all the four governors who have ruled states in the 26 years of our democracy, are all mediocres. That all of them have no leadership abilities? No. Even when you are good at whatever you are doing before you became a governor; how come you fail miserably the moment you step into office? It is the social formation, the structures, things that are built into the root of that formation, that restrains their ability to perform as a leader.”

Referencing historical political heavyweight, Karl Marx’s adage, “the ideas of the ruling class are the building ideas {of any nation}”, Udenta noted that the ideas of Nigeria’s ruling class “is that of impudence, impunity, of corruption and the lack of accountability. And they must reflect within the wider society”.

“Why then should you expect the poor person to suddenly become full of patriotic fervour and pride, and to produce noble attributes, when the persons that he is viewing at the top, do not possess those qualities? So, as you talk about leadership, talk about the social system.”
To become transformational leaders, he urged the 20 graduating students of Tea-Prime Leadership Programme, and the hundreds of Nigerians in attendance at the graduation ceremony to become rebels and disruptors within the bounds of the constitution.

“When people resist and resist well, with the law behind them, it is quite possible that those at the top will begin to listen and shape their conduct and their thoughts in line with the masses’ impulses, or whatever the masses want.”

Buttressing professor Udenta’s thoughts, executive director, Tea-Prime Leadership Academy, Esther Adelana said the not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to the development of leadership skills in individuals and organizations, is aimed at promoting transformational leadership across all sectors of the nation.

“We believe that strategic leadership will not only proffer solutions to the problems of Africa, and Nigeria, but also help initiate innovative solutions these problems that will catapult the continent into a leader in the global space.

“Our leadership programme is bridging the gap between institutions, individuals and policymakers. We don’t just converge to discuss leadership problems, but ensure that policymakers make sustainable policies for the good of the society.
According to Adelana, over 356 students registered for the free-of-charge three months intensive leadership workshop. However, the twenty graduates aged 16-65, both public servants and policy innovators, showed dedication, by completing the entire classes of the workshop.
In addition to launching the maiden edition of its ‘Phenomenal Leaders Magazine’, the organization awarded 35 individuals for their contributions in various fields of work that impacted the nation’s development. The awardees include former Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) National President, Mallam Denja Abdullahi; Public Health Specialist, Dr Stella Iwuagwu, poet and co-founder, Abuja International Poetry Festival (AIPF), Bash Amuneni; Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Engineer Emeka Iloegbuna, Mr Joseph Aniekan, Professor Victor Odoeme, Pastor Oloche King Adaji, among others.