From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
About 225 Nigerian youths have graduated from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) is an unconventional school designed to attract, develop and produce a new generation of political leaders who will listen and serve the new class of citizens who know their rights.
The 2024 graduation ceremony with the theme: “People, Politics, Policies and the Power of Words” took place over the weekend at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Delivering her keynote address, world-renowned and multiple global award-winning author Chimamanda Adichie urged the graduates to use the knowledge and skills acquired in transforming the political and leadership sphere of Nigeria and the African continent at large.
She said the graduates, in making the desired difference, must be upright, fearless and always speak the truth to powers as well as use their voices to build strength in the multi-ethnicity of Nigeria for the country’s growth, development and progress.
“Remember that living in a multiethnic country means being very considerate, I want you always to speak the truth.
“We, the very younger generation, are now participating in rhetoric that is very dangerous for the unity of the country; it should not be so. Nigeria can co-exist as a united multi-ethnic state. It is people like you that can make it happen.
“I hope that as you graduate, you will continue to say it is not okay that we have the kind of political conversations that sometimes happen in Nigeria. I urge you to opt out of it and say I am not going to do this or be part of it
“The best kind of change happens when people say it is not okay,” she said.
The Founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, said that upcoming leaders must be knowledgeable enough in all aspects of life, policy and administration if they must change the existing narrative of politics and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Dr. Ezekwesili noted that as trained leaders with the required tools to take Africa by storm, they must be ready to face resistance.
“We don’t want new breed politicians and leaders from SPPG without the knowledge of economics and economic policy,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Alero Ayida-Otobo, who asked the graduands not to forget the knowledge acquired during the ten months of hectic studies, said the certificate they were awarded is a call to action and responsibility for the change all Nigerians have been longing to see.
She urges them to be unconventional leaders who create meaningful impact, shape policies, and challenge injustice, among other vices.
“I implore you to relentlessly pursue a future that marks you as different, to be a value-driven public leader.
“As you embark on your leadership journey, please, I urge you to champion sustainable development, critically analyse information, engage in respectful discussion, listen to opposing views, collaborate across sectors and most importantly, foster inclusive solutions,” Ayida-Otobo concluded.
The graduation ceremony also has bilingual literature on politics, policy and governance written in English and French unveiled for the use of about 20 countries with SPPG in Africa and beyond.
