The Convener of the MOFE Foundation, Engr. Mrs. Funmi Akingbagbohun has identified the connection between public speaking and effective leadership, charging youths and young adults to be articulate, informed and bold enough to drive change.
Engr. Mrs. Akingbagbohun gave the charge during her presentation at the inaugural edition of the Young Uplifters Club Leadership Camp, a three-day leadership and personal development programme organised by the Lagos State Education District 1, to equip secondary school students with critical life skills.
She emphasized that the ability to speak articulately and inspire others is a cornerstone of leadership. “For you to inspire others, that means that you are communicating effectively for them to be inspired, for them to be motivated and that is where you can drive change, as a leader,” she said.
Engr Mrs. Akingbagbohun who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers went on to highlight practical tips, including the importance of overcoming fear, understanding one’s audience and consistent practice.
She also praised the Lagos State Government for introducing robotics into education, calling it a vital tool for fostering creativity and innovation among students. She stressed the need for youth to embrace technology not just as a tool, but as “the language of the future.”
Regarding the growing concern about internet misuse among children, Engr Mrs. Akingbagbohun advocated for parental guidance and digital literacy as strategies for encouraging productive online habits. “They should use the internet for research, for technology build-up, for their career progression,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the planning committee, Dr. Olubukola Rosanwo, described the programme as a strategic effort to sustain and nurture academic excellence and leadership qualities among students.
“This is not just a camp, it is a grooming ground for the leaders of tomorrow. We want them to maintain excellence and remain focused. Even the sky cannot limit them,” she remarked.
“This club exists in every school, and we will continue to build on this foundation,” Dr. Rosanwo stated. “Through mentorship and consistent engagement, we hope to sustain these gains and raise a generation of excellent, forward-thinking leaders.”
Students who took part in the programme were visibly inspired. Balogun Samuel Ayola from Ijaiye-Ojokoro Senior High School shared how the event has broadened his perspectives. “We’ve learned so much from mental health and public speaking to using social media responsibly. I now understand how powerful and positive our voices can be.”
Aisha Abdulrohim, another student from Millennium Senior Secondary School, echoed similar sentiments. “I used to be extremely shy, but now I feel confident to face an audience. This programme has truly changed me,” she said with a smile.
Blacktalker was present to witness the activities of the leadership camp which hosted over 200 students from 100 schools and featured workshops, etiquette training, and mentoring sessions by professionals across various fields.