He United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is organizing a three-day leadership retreat for governors of Nigeria.
Organizers said the UNDP-funded program is scheduled to run from August 24-27 in Kigali, Rwanda.
In an invitation letter to a participant, the UN agency said the withdrawal is part of its commitment to raise the level of governance in Africa and other parts of the world.
“In today’s dynamic world, the multiplicity of megatrends – ranging from invisible threats to democratic governance, the impact of an increasingly digital and innovation-driven society, a looming jobs crisis, a growing youth population with a youth dividend difficult to achieve, the rapid pace of “Urbanization, a highly globalized world and increasing climate change pose enormous challenges for African countries,” UNDP’s Lealem Berhand Dinku said of the programme. “A new leadership approach is required to transform these challenges into opportunities.”
The official added: “The program is designed to provide a transformative platform for public officials to collectively reflect, learn and exchange ideas on effective leadership and complex challenges. By focusing on experiential learning, exploration and reflection, the distinguished participants will be equipped with the skills and competencies necessary to lead in highly complex and uncertain environments.”
Highly regarded facilitators from around the world have come together to facilitate sessions such as “Reimagining and exploring the future of Nigeria”, “Opportunities and challenges of contemporary leadership in a ‘new’ world”, “The future of development influenced by the transformation digital, big data, disruptive innovation and emerging technologies”, “Ensuring socioeconomic transformations: industrialization, agriculture, climate and the green transition”, “Income generation and resource mobilization” and “Effective leadership communication in a rapidly changing world”.
There will also be sessions on “The Future of Pan-Africanism and Integration in a Changing World”, “Managing Diversity and Improving Social Cohesion for Socio-Economic Transformation” and “Personal Mastery: Fostering Leadership from Within”.
Among those lining up to speak at the retreat were Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Arkebe Oqubay (Minister and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia), Asishana Okauru, Director General of the Forum of Governors of Nigeria and Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary General and Director of the UNDP Regional Office for Africa.
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Facilitators also include Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Mohammed Yahya, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria; Olugbenga Adesida, co-founder of the African Innovation Summit; William Tsuma, director of innovation at UNDP Nigeria; Narue Shiki, UNDP Senior Adviser in New York; Andrew Mwenda, editor of The Independent, Uganda; Rachel Nyaradzo Adams, founder and CEO of the Narachi Leadership Center; Ari Aisen, resident representative of the International Monetary Fund; Mimi Kalinda, CEO of the Africa Communications Media Group; Tolani Alli, a Nigerian documentary photographer; Rubingisa Pudence, Mayor of Kigali and Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Mayor of Freetown.
UNDP says it hopes the programme, which is organized in partnership with the Nigerian Governors Forum, will provide participating leaders with better leadership skills, knowledge and the mindset needed to cultivate the leadership of others.
“This requires fostering skills that support deep listening and self-awareness. These domains are key to ensuring that leaders can understand, lead and make informed decisions for the betterment of their constituents,” the UN agency said.
“Effective leadership is crucial to navigating the complexities of the emerging world. State governors will have a critical role to play in shaping the future of their states and the country. This proposed program aims to equip them with the leadership competencies necessary to lead with excellence, foster inclusive governance, drive innovation, build collaborative relationships, and address emerging challenges. By investing in leadership development, we can empower them to lead the transformation of their states and, in turn, of Nigeria.”
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