By Austin Ogwuda
Former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa has called on leaders to make it a point of duty to mentor people especially the younger generation to achieve desired goals.
He stated this in Asaba at the Delta State Governance and Policy Direction Conversation, with the theme: “More Agenda: Economic Dynamics of Policy Direction, Open Governance and the Youth Inclusivity Question”, organized by the African College of Governance, an Institute of the Revive Africa Initiative.
Igbakpa also asked the youths to subject themselves and be ready for mentorship from seasoned, tested and experienced leaders, who have a lot to impact.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo.
The occasion also featured the presentation of a book on “The Thoughts and Perspectives of Rt. Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa on Leadership and Governance”, which the organisers said it was apt and commendable.
The governor, through his representative, Erijo made it clear that his administration had in the past three months focused on ensuring fiscal responsibility and judicious resource allocation in completing ongoing projects, as well as youth inclusivity in governance.
Oborevwiei expressed delight that Hon. Rollands Igbakpa thought it worthwhile to have a policy dialogue that zeroed in on the MORE agenda of this administration, which provided a roadmap to fast track economic growth, diversify the economy, promote investment, impose strict fiscal discipline, create wealth, build bridges of social unity, and develop a knowledge-based economy aimed at giving Deltans the hope of a better, rewarding, and fulfilling future.
“The M.O.R.E agenda”, he went on, “is ultimately about good governance, which today’s conversation is about. “I believe the starting point for good governance is instituting a regime of fiscal discipline and responsibility.
“In our current operating environment of anxiety and uncertainty occasioned by the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy and continuing devaluation of the naira, the challenge for political leaders at all levels of governance is to think outside the box and demonstrate the highest levels of discipline, honesty, prudence, and transparency in government.
“To these values we are totally and irrevocably committed, and we will do everything within our power as a government to entrench them in public administration
“At least ten of the recently sworn-in Commissioners are below the age of 40.”That is unprecedented. As I pointed out during their swearing-in, the euphoria that greeted their nomination shows that we are on the right track.
It is now incumbent on the appointees to prove that they are not too young to lead. Failure on their part would not be good for future consideration of youths in the governance process.
“But I am persuaded that this crop of appointees will acquit themselves creditably because some of them have started on a good note”, he further stated.
