By Edith Tsokar
Secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory have called for greater accountability and intentional leadership in Nigeria through poetry and spoken word performances.
The students made the call at the Leadership Poetry Slam held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event brought together students from different secondary schools across the territory to express their views on leadership, governance and national development.
Speaking at the event, Miss Olikeze Samantha of Government Secondary School (GSS), Tudun Wada, said young people must be courageous in demanding integrity and transparency from leaders.
According to her, accountability remains critical to national development and good governance.
Also speaking, Miss Maryam Shettima of Crescent Pearls Leadership Academy, stressed the importance of authenticity in leadership, noting that leaders must align their words with actions to regain public trust and inspire confidence among citizens.
Valentine Chikwado of GSS, Lugbe, expressed concern over the widening gap between promises and performance in governance.
He urged public office holders to demonstrate greater commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities and delivering tangible results to citizens.
Similarly, Asmau Giwa of Crescent Pearls Leadership Academy emphasised the need for intentionality in leadership, describing purposeful decision-making as essential to sustainable development and national progress.
Also contributing, Francisca Chukwuma and Ken Samuel of Government Secondary School, Kagini, called on leaders and citizens to embrace their responsibilities in nation-building.
They noted that positive change could only be achieved through collective action and active civic participation.
In her remarks, Mrs Abiola Abdulrasheed Owoduni, Curator of the Leadership Poetry Slam, said the initiative was designed to provide young people with a platform to engage creatively with national issues while fostering civic consciousness and leadership skills.
Owoduni, also the Founder of Crescent Pearls Leadership Academy, said the programme sought to nurture a generation of responsible leaders committed to accountability, authenticity and intentionality in both public and private life.
She added that the poetry slam was aimed at promoting civic responsibility and encouraging young people to engage constructively with issues affecting society.
Also speaking, Mr Agbolahan Olayemi, Founder of WOWBII Group, commended the students for using poetry as a tool for advocacy and social change.
Olayemi encouraged them to remain committed to excellence, innovation and ethical leadership, noting that Nigeria’s future depended largely on the values embraced by its young people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
