Center Advocates Effective Leadership, Collective Action To Achieve National Cohesion 

Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) has attributed Nigeria’s security challenges and economic inequality to social injustice requiring effective leadership and collective action to address.

Maj-Gen. OT Ethan (Rtd), a member Board of Trustees Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) stated this at the inauguration of the Leadership and National Cohesion (LNC) Course 2 of 2024 in Abuja.

The course is organised by Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).

He said nation’s lacking national cohesion are often characterized by social fragmentation, a weakened sense of national identity and most times a struggling economy.

“Some of the challenges faced today, from insecurity and economic inequality to social injustice require effective leadership and collective action,” he said.

He however, reminded the gathering that leadership and national cohesion are essential pillars for building a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.

“These pillars are critical in fostering a sense of shared identity, promoting social inclusion and addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of our citizens.

“Effective leadership provides the vision, direction and guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of modern society,”.

He added that effective leadership inspires and empowers citizens to work together towards a common goal and promotes a culture of accountability and good governance.

“National cohesion on the other hand is the glue that holds the fabrics of a nation together. It is the bond that unites the people despite clear diversity. Therefore, as future leaders, you have critical role to play in promoting the peace, stability and development in your various establishments and organizations. You must imbibe the culture of good leadership and be the agent of national cohesion” he said.

He reiterated that Nigeria’s vast diversity remain a valuable asset and should be a strategic advantage to make the citizenry more resilient and innovative towards building a prosperous nation.

He said ” the burden of fostering national cohesion and effective management of diversity rests on leaders across all facets of our society.”

The Commandant Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Major General AT Adedoja said the conduct of the course demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Nigeria and its international partners to the strategic investment in the development of effective leaders and the promotion of peace and stability in the dear country.

He reiterated that effective leadership and national cohesion were elements that drive progress and prosperity in a nation, conversely their absence can lead to stagnation, division and instability hindering a nation’s ability to achieve its full potential, he said.

He said the above reason this informed “the need to develop your capacity as future leaders to drive positive change for a united and more prosperous nation.

As leaders, you have a critical role to play in uniting and fostering a sense of shared identity among the people and must recognize that diversity is a strength, not weakness”.

He added that the course is designed to equip participants with skills and competencies necessary to lead in a diverse and complex society. “It is aimed at building your capacity to lead with integrity, communicate with clarity and conviction as well as build strong relationship with others,”.

He explained further,that the course will also provide participants with the comprehensive understanding of concept and qualities of a good leader, the need for mentoring as well as roles of leaders in harnessing the diverse cultures in Nigeria to ensure national cohesion.

He added that the Course will x-ray the concept of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, causes of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in societies and finally look at ways to rebuild the broken bonds and bridges among the diverse group for national cohesion.

“At the end of this course, participants will be empowered to impact positive changes and contribute meaningfully towards enhancing peace, security and safety of the citizenry in Nigeria and the African region,” he said.