By Oluwaseun Nubi
Mrs Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has charged stakeholders to guide youths in channelling their energy and potential into meaningful achievements.
Meranda made the call on Saturday in a keynote address at the second edition of Mentorship with HOA 2.0, with the theme: “Leading with Purpose: Mentoring the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders”.
HOA stands for Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, who is both the convener of the programme and the Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held at the council secretariat, brought together youths, political leaders, professionals, and community development advocates to discuss grooming the next generation for transformational leadership.
Meranda said mentors provide direction, correct mistakes and create access to opportunities.
“Sometimes you need someone to guide you, show you the right way, and correct you when you go wrong.
”This is where mentorship becomes important,” she said.
She urged youths to take full advantage of mentorship and learn from experienced leaders who had overcome challenges and failures.
Also speaking, Mr Babajimi Benson, member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, charged youths to take ownership of their future.
Benson encouraged them to start and register businesses while building entrepreneurial skills.
He said entrepreneurship would foster responsibility, discipline and purpose, while positioning youths to contribute to economic development.
Aroyewun, the convener, said the programme was an investment in people aimed at preparing youths for leadership.
He noted that true leadership must be built on character, competence and responsible conduct.
He encouraged the mentees to demonstrate leadership qualities irrespective of whether they held official titles.
“Leadership begins with the ability to identify a problem and do something about it. It begins with serving where you are,” he said.
NAN reports that the programme featured a panel discussion on transformational leadership, mentorship, personal development, career growth and youth empowerment.
Mrs Enitan Oba, Council Leader of Ikorodu West LCDA, stressed during the panel that the true measure of transformational leadership is impact, not titles or accomplishments.
“For me, leadership must move from achievement to impact,” she said.
Oba said transformational leadership was about the legacy leaders left and the number of people they empowered and developed.
Medical Director of Cute Hospital, Agunfoye, Ikorodu, Dr Adeleke Dankuwo, urged youths to equip themselves with self-belief, integrity, vision, empathy and practical skills.
“You have to believe in yourself, first and foremost. Don’t look down on yourself,” he said.
He said leadership opportunities often came to those who had prepared themselves.
In his remarks, Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, Chairman of Agege Local Government in Lagos State, said leadership began with taking responsibility and adding value.
He urged youths to develop themselves and remain ready to deliver when opportunities came.
Other panelists including Mr Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, and Mr Tolupe Faniyi, a community stakeholder, stressed mentorship and continuous self-development.
They urged youths to remain open to learning while developing discipline, emotional intelligence, consistency and integrity.(NAN)
Edited by Grace Alegba