Centre LSD Alumni Association Holds Leadership Seminar, Welcomes New Leadership
Eloyi Mathew
The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) Alumni Association witnessed a significant leadership change as Ambassador Stanley Chukwuemeka Okereafor, fta, was sworn in as its new President. He succeeds Honourable Alaba Adekunle, who served as the pioneer President for six years.
Honourable Alaba Adekunle, who was the Governor of Set 9 of Centre LSD, initiated the formation of the Alumni Association with the approval of Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the Centre’s Founding Director. Under Alaba’s leadership, the association has grown to encompass 402 members, bringing together alumni from various cohorts and states under a unified umbrella.
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The transition ceremony, held during the opening session of the 2nd Leadership Seminar at Novera Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was attended by esteemed guests including Dr. Otive Igbuzor and his wife Dr. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, Dr. Linus Okorie of GOTNI Leadership Centre, who was also the keynote speaker, and Dr. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho, Chairperson of the TY Buratai Literary Initiative, among others.
Honourable Alaba was honoured for his pioneering role in establishing and nurturing the Alumni Association. In his emotional farewell speech, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and support he received, reflecting on the accomplishments of the Alumni Association during his tenure. He encouraged continued engagement and collaboration among members.
In his concluding remarks, he quoted Nelson Mandela: “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” He emphasised the importance of leadership in inspiring others and creating positive change in the world.
Also honoured at the seminar by the Alumni Association were Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Dr. Ejiro Otive Igbuzor, and Dr. Linus Okorie, MFR, for their contributions towards cultivating transformative leaders in Nigeria. In his opening remarks, Dr. Otive recounted, “We were motivated to set up the Leadership School to train transformative leaders who will change the narrative in Africa. We hoped to build a critical mass of dynamic and visionary leaders to bring about the required change. As of today, we have graduated 2,233 students from the Leadership School across six centres in Abuja, Warri, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, and Jos.” He added that the formation of the Alumni Association and the organisation of this seminar is a step in the right direction towards the realisation of the founders’ dreams.
The 2nd Leadership Seminar, themed “Leadership with Purpose: Navigating Challenges, Inspiring Change,” provided a platform for leaders, innovators, and change-makers to gather and share insights. Dr. Linus Okorie, MFR, an internationally renowned leadership guru, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of purposeful leadership in addressing contemporary social, environmental, and economic challenges. He emphasised key elements such as learning, reflection, critical thinking, and envisioning. Speaking on critical thinking in reference to the state of the nation, he said, “Critical thinking begets critical solutions,” adding that “a thinking nation can never suffer lack.”
The seminar, beautifully piloted by Oluwaseyi Moses and Mariam Gbadebo, featured a rich programme including speeches, goodwill messages from renowned leaders, networking opportunities, and a panel discussion session on ‘Adaptive Leadership in a Dynamic Environment.’ The focus was on empowering alumni with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving world. Participants were encouraged to engage actively, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.
Centre LSD, through the Alumni Association, reiterated its commitment to fostering leadership excellence and positive change through its initiatives and alumni network. The organisation looks forward to the continued success and growth of the Alumni Association under the new leadership of Ambassador Stanley Chukwuemeka Okereafor, who urged alumni to remain worthy ambassadors of the Centre.
“Let me remind us of the timeless values of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, which we as alumni have embraced. The values include Diversity, Feminism, Integrity, Dignity of the Human Person, Pan Africanism, Accountability, Transparency, and Transformative Change. These should strengthen us on our journey to achieving our personal and career objectives and contributing to our diverse communities.”
He further stated, “It is my honour and privilege to be the 2nd President of the Alumni Association. I look forward with much excitement and gratitude to being of service to you and the Alumni Association. To all our guests, please open the door when we knock, for shortly, we shall come knocking requesting collaborations, partnerships, and various kinds of support. Kindly oblige us.”