Agboworin Emphasizes Education and Leadership as Pillars of National Development

The lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, has reiterated that quality education and sound leadership attributes remain fundamental drivers of national growth and development.

He made this assertion on Thursday while addressing students during the Youth Leaders’ Clinic Programme of the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), University of Abuja. The event was organized by postgraduate students pursuing degrees in Public Governance and Leadership, Policy and Strategic Studies, and Military Studies.

Agboworin, who is currently a postgraduate student at the University of Abuja, underscored the vital role of education and effective leadership in shaping the future of any society. He encouraged the students to stay focused, resilient, and dedicated to acquiring both academic excellence and leadership values that will prepare them for the responsibilities of tomorrow.

Themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders,” the programme brought together selected secondary school prefects from Oyo and Osun States. The event, which took place at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate, Iwo Road, Ibadan, aimed to equip young participants with the principles of good governance, accountability, and nation-building.

In his keynote address, Agboworin emphasized that good governance rests on equity, transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management. He charged the students to remain committed to their dreams and embrace education as the foundation of leadership success.

> “Many of you sitting here today will become leaders tomorrow. The foundation of good leadership begins with education. Without it, we cannot have a nation built on knowledge, competence, and vision,” he stated.

“Leadership demands transparency, accountability, and the willingness to serve with integrity. A good leader must listen to the people and ensure that public resources are judiciously managed for the common good.”

Also speaking, Prof. Banjo Adewale, a UNESCO Scholar from the University of Abuja, stressed the importance of nurturing leadership values from an early stage. He advised the students to take their education and moral upbringing seriously, noting that leadership without discipline and home training cannot produce meaningful development.

> “Leadership is everything. A nation may have abundant resources, but without visionary leaders, it cannot progress. The future starts from home—build your foundation well and always uphold moral values,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof. Remi Adeyemo, also delivered a lecture on leadership and governance, highlighting how education serves as the bedrock of any thriving society.

Participating schools included Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Adekile Goodwill Grammar School, and Oba Akinbiyi Model College, among others.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal (represented by Chief Yemi Aderibigbe, Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission); the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke; and the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni.

At the end of the programme, the participating students expressed profound gratitude to the organisers for exposing them to valuable insights on leadership, governance, and nation-building.

The Youth Leaders’ Clinic of the Abuja Leadership Centre continues to serve as a strategic platform for nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders capable of driving sustainable progress in Nigeria and beyond.