FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES HOSTS 4TH PUBLIC LECTURE ON POLITICS, LEADERSHIP

 

 By Chloe Inioluwa OKE

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, on Monday hosted its 4th Open Lecture themed "Politics and Governance in Nigeria at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD)Hall, Main campus. 

The lecture brought together students, lecturers, and stakeholders to discuss leadership and governance challenges in the country. The lecture featured the Chairman/Group CEO of Courteville Business Solutions Ltd., Dr. Adebola Ismail Akindele, as the guest lecturer.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, Dr. Adebola examined the state of leadership and governance in Nigeria, stressing the importance of effective and people-oriented leadership in national development. He discussed the issue of political succession in the country, noting that disagreements and lack of alignment between predecessors and successors in government often contribute to abandoned projects across Nigeria.

The guest lecturer further highlighted four important actions required of every leader, which he identified as the ability to initiate, decide, hesitate, and activate. According to him, leadership involves critical thinking, decision-making, and the courage to take action when necessary.

Comparing leadership in corporate organizations to leadership in politics, he explained that while corporate leadership is usually driven by goals set by organizational leaders, political leadership should primarily focus on the welfare and interests of the people.

Addressing students at the lecture, Dr. Adebola encouraged them to begin building themselves from their time in school, noting that the values and attitudes developed during their academic journey would shape their future and personal worth in society. He also urged students to remain confident and committed in all areas of life.

Concluding his lecture, he stated that whether in politics or corporate organizations, the style of leadership adopted by an individual would determine the level of success and achievement recorded.

The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students, lecturers, professors, and other participants engaged the guest lecturer on issues raised during the lecture, reflecting the level of interest generated by the discussion.

Following the session, an award was presented to the guest lecturer by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his engaging and thought-provoking lecture. 

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Director of Research, who appreciated the guest lecturer, members of the faculty, and participants for contributing to the success of the event.