The “2025 Basic and Post-Basic Education Head Boys and Girls Leadership and Mentorship” retreat has been recognized as a crucial initiative for cultivating the next generation of leaders who will champion sustainable development across Nigeria.
Held in Kafanchan on Tuesday, the event centered around the theme “Cultivating Young Leaders for Sustainable Progress.” It gathered head boys and girls, educators, mentors, and community figures to engage in leadership training and motivational sessions focused on responsible governance.
In his keynote speech, Rev. Fr. Romanus Jega, Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Minor Seminary, Madakiya, underscored the importance of nurturing visionary, ethical, and service-oriented youth, emphasizing that the future of society hinges on such leaders.
He urged educational institutions and local communities to emphasize mentorship programs and create opportunities that allow students to hone their leadership abilities.
Messages of support from prominent officials further reinforced the retreat’s significance. Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Air Commodore Musa Aileru encouraged the young leaders to embody discipline, honesty, and patriotism, highlighting that leadership development should start early in life.
Mr. Daniel Amos, the federal representative for Jema’a and Sanga constituencies, praised the organizers for establishing what he called “a breeding ground for tomorrow’s leaders.” He motivated attendees to integrate the retreat’s teachings into their everyday actions and become catalysts for positive transformation within their schools and communities.
Likewise, Mr. Peter Tanko, Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, who was represented at the event, committed the local council’s backing for initiatives that empower youth through education and leadership development. He stressed that fostering leadership at the grassroots level is vital for sustainable growth.
Earlier in the program, Mr. Habila Kayit, Executive Director of the Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI) and the retreat’s organizer, explained that the event was designed to instill discipline, broaden perspectives, and embed core values necessary for effective leadership among student leaders. He expressed appreciation to all dignitaries and partners who supported the vision.
As a symbolic gesture linking leadership with environmental responsibility, tree seedlings were distributed to participating schools, reinforcing the connection between stewardship and sustainable development.
According to Salama News, the retreat aims to further enhance the leadership capabilities of head boys and girls in the coming year, preparing them to take on greater roles in fostering a sustainable future.
