Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says those who aspire to be leaders must be properly groomed, focused and determined to face the challenges of leadership.

Governor Arnaechi said this during the inauguration lecture and dinner organised by the past leaders of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) under the aegis of Past NURSS Leaders Forum (PANLEAF) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by His Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi advised those aspiring to leadership positions to have something to offer the people, stressing that leadership is for men of character, noting that “a good leader is one who is ready to accommodate criticisms and is not deterred from realizing his objective.”

In his remarks, former Federal Commissioner of Information and foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, expressed delight on the leadership qualities demonstrated by Governor Amaechi, saying he identified with the frankness, truthfulness, uprightness and courage exhibited by the Governor.

The elder statesman observed that student union activities bequeath youths with experiences and qualities that serve the society well, pointing out that PANlEAF is “doing the right thing by coming together to fashion out ways to move the society forward,” advising them to shun dishonesty and inordinate pursuit of power.

Earlier, PANLEAF President, Hon. Wele Alex, explained that the association is proud to identify with the development strides of their colleague, Governor Chibuike Amaechi,          noting that in acknowledgement of his achievements in government, they are poised to muster support for him to run for a second term in office.

Delivering a lecture titled, “Responsive and Accountable Leadership: A Panacea for Societal Development”, Guest Speaker at the event and Chairman, Niger Delta Technical Committee, Mr. Ledum Mitee, stressed that youths should maximize opportunities afforded them by the society to effect critical change that would take Nigeria to the next level.

Observing that the current paradigms of leadership are misleading, Mr. Mitee, who is also President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), said, “for leadership to serve as a panacea to societal development, we need to think outside the box”, declaring that, “leadership should give hope”.   

Dignitaries at the event include the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Magnus Abe, Commissioners for Works, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Chinda, and Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Charles Gogo Levi.

Others are Special Advisers to the Governor on Statistics, Mr. Okey Okirie, and Culture, Hon. Iboroma Harry, Special Assistant to the Governor on 105 Health Centres, Mr. Orom  Ereforokuma, a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Ike Chinwo, and the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, HRM King (Prof) Theophilus Princewill.

Highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the inauguration cake by Chief Edwin Clark, assisted by the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele lkuru, members of PANLEAF executive, and other dignitaries.