ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
Young people aspiring to leadership positions have been urged to develop competence, character, emotional intelligence and a strong sense of responsibility before seeking positions of authority.
The call was made by Ambassador Yasir Abiola, presenter of Clarion Call, during a programme titled “The Leadership Gap: What Must Young People Learn Before They Take Charge?” with the sub-theme, “From Ambition to Competence, Character and Responsibility” on Mature Minds Digital Radio TV.
Abiola, while examining the difference between leadership and the mere occupation of a position, said ambition alone does not qualify anyone to lead. He illustrated the point with the example of handing a young man the keys to a vehicle without first teaching him how to drive, stressing that the desire to drive is different from possessing the ability and responsibility required to do so.
According to him, a title or position may confer authority, but genuine leadership is built on trust, competence and character. He challenged aspiring young leaders to ask themselves whether they would still command respect and influence if their titles and positions were removed.
The presenter identified integrity, honesty, fairness, humility, discipline, respect and courage as essential qualities young leaders must cultivate. He warned that power does not create character but reveals it, noting that Nigeria needs young people who are prepared to exercise authority responsibly rather than simply seeking positions for personal advantage.
Abiola also highlighted effective communication and critical thinking as important leadership competencies. He urged young people to learn how to communicate ideas clearly, listen to opposing views, negotiate, persuade without hostility and make decisions based on evidence, consequences, legality and ethical considerations rather than sentiments or the opinions of their associates.
On emotional intelligence, he advised aspiring leaders to develop self-control, patience, empathy and emotional maturity, particularly when confronted with criticism or provocation. He noted that a leader who responds to every disagreement with hostility could easily turn ordinary differences into major crises.
He further emphasised accountability, describing the willingness to say “I was wrong” as one of the most powerful qualities a leader can possess. According to him, leaders must be willing to admit mistakes, reconsider decisions when presented with better information and create an environment where people can offer honest corrections without fear.
Addressing the question of how young people can acquire leadership experience before occupying major positions, Abiola encouraged them to start small through student organisations, youth groups, community initiatives, professional associations, businesses and volunteer organisations. He said organising programmes, managing teams and budgets, resolving disagreements and delivering community projects provide practical leadership lessons that cannot always be acquired from textbooks.
He also called for stronger intergenerational mentorship, urging experienced leaders to deliberately prepare younger people to succeed them while encouraging young people to remain open to correction and learning. He stressed that mentorship should produce independent thinkers and capable leaders rather than unquestioning followers.
Abiola acknowledged that young people deserve greater opportunities and that institutional gatekeeping should be challenged, but maintained that the demand for leadership must be matched by preparation for responsibility. He urged young Nigerians to begin demonstrating leadership wherever they find themselves, rather than waiting for a major political or organisational appointment.
Concluding the programme, the Clarion Call presenter said “ambition must meet competence, energy must meet discipline, confidence must meet humility, power must meet accountability, and opportunity must meet preparation.” He challenged both young people seeking leadership and those already occupying influential positions to take responsibility for preparing the next generation.
He summed up the message by saying: “The future does not need young people who are merely ready to occupy positions; it needs young people who are ready to carry responsibilities.”
