Delta Leaders Inspire at Advocate Lecture on Youth and Leadership Recruitment Process

In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, Advocate Newspaper orchestrated a profound public lecture series, themed “Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process.”

The event drew notable personalities, including Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, represented by Chief Adelabu Bodjor, his Chief of Staff as Special Guest of Honour, Olorogun Fred Majemite, an esteemed lawyer and former Delta State Commissioner, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Prince Elvis Oharisi, a distinguished businessman, chaired the event, adding his expertise to the discourse.

The keynote address, delivered by Professor Enajite Ojaruega, a seasoned scholar from Delta State University, Abraka, highlighted the critical facets of youth empowerment and leadership recruitment. Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, a former editor of the Guardian Newspaper, adeptly moderated the lecture, guiding discussions towards actionable insights.

Senator Dafinone in his remarks through Chief Adelabu Bodjor underscored the indispensable role of the private sector in supporting journalists, emphasizing its pivotal contribution to journalism’s sustainability. He stressed the pivotal role of family and community in youth empowerment, lamenting the erosion of traditional practices such as the “ojevre” system, which once served as a bastion of communal solidarity.

Olorogun Fred Majemite echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the imperative of vocational training and education in equipping youth with practical skills. He addressed the issue of brain drain, urging concerted efforts to retain Nigeria’s educated youth by fostering an enabling environment for their development.

In advocating for merit-based recruitment, Olorogun Majemite emphasized fairness and inclusivity, calling for the elevation of youth into leadership positions. He cited success stories from Senegal and urged Nigerian leaders to emulate such models.

Prince Elvis Oharisi lauded Advocate Newspaper for its resilience in the face of industry challenges, highlighting its role as a beacon for societal change. He stressed the importance of the lecture’s theme in addressing Nigeria’s youth-related challenges, urging attendees to internalize the discussions for societal betterment.

The panel discussion further enriched the discourse, with distinguished figures like Dr. Harvey Igben, Barrister Ejiro Etaoghene, and Edewor Egedegbe providing diverse perspectives on youth empowerment and leadership recruitment. Professor Enajite Ojaruega’s keynote address delineated the challenges facing Nigeria’s youthful population, advocating for a holistic overhaul of recruitment processes to foster inclusivity and meritocracy.

The event’s conclusion, marked by Chief Oharisi’s call to action, resonated with attendees, urging them to translate insights into tangible actions for societal upliftment. The public lecture served as a catalyst for inspiration and empowerment, igniting a collective resolve to redefine Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process for a brighter tomorrow.

Advocate CEO Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, acknowledging the operational hurdles faced by publishers in the Niger Delta region, expressed gratitude for the enduring support enabling the newspaper’s impactful journey. He articulated aspirations for heightened engagement within Nigeria and across Africa, signaling a promising trajectory for media excellence in the region.