Foundation Trains Ondo Youths In Leadership, Innovation

The Servant Leader Foundation has organised a youth leadership and innovation summit in Ondo State aimed at equipping young people with leadership skills, innovation-driven thinking and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The summit, held in Akure, the state capital, brought together students, educationists, technology experts, and professionals who stressed the need for improved education standards, youth participation in governance, and the responsible use of technology.

At the summit, the foundation’s acting team lead in Ondo State, Damilola Oluwatosin, said the programme was designed to prepare youths for leadership roles and inspire them to pursue positive change within their communities and across the country.

According to her, Nigeria and Africa possess a rapidly growing youth population that must be properly equipped to shape the future.

She disclosed that about 83 students from six schools participated in the Summit, adding that the selection process involved collaboration with the Ministry of Education, school owners, and principals’ associations.

At the end of the Summit, we hope the students become bolder in pursuing their dreams. Hearing inspiring stories helps them realise that their present limitations are temporary and can be overcome,” he said.

‎Also speaking at the event, guest speaker and educationalist Dr Toyin Ajayi called on governments at all levels to increase funding for education and improve the training and welfare of teachers.

‎Ajayi said inadequate funding had contributed to declining education standards and a shortage of qualified teachers, warning that the situation could continue to affect the quality of graduates produced in the country.

‎He also advocated reforms in Nigeria’s curriculum, noting that modern education should focus more on creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving rather than memorisation.

The educationist further encouraged youths to become politically active, stressing that young people must contribute to governance and nation-building since their future is directly affected by government policies.

‎Similarly, a banking professional, Mrs Oluwadamilola Ipinmoye, advised governments, organisations, and individuals to support youths through mentorship, vocational training, funding opportunities, and guidance.

‎She also urged young people to remain teachable and willing to learn from older generations, adding that talent alone was not enough for success without discipline and continuous learning.

In his remark, a technologist, Chris Ombeh, said technology and artificial intelligence had become important tools for development and innovation across the world.