By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI) has on Thursday organised a youth leadership retreat in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, urging Nigerian students to embrace integrity, patriotism, and service as pillars of national development.
The retreat, themed “Nurturing Young Leaders for Sustainable Development,” drew head boys and girls from basic and post-basic schools across the state, alongside educators, mentors, and community leaders.
Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Minor Seminary, Rev. Fr. Romanus Jega, said Nigeria’s future depends on a new generation of disciplined, service-driven leaders.
“The destiny of society rests on young leaders who are visionary and morally upright. Schools and communities must provide mentorship platforms to harness their potential,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by Air Commodore Musa Aileru, urged the students to imbibe discipline and patriotism early in life, describing the retreat as a step toward raising credible leaders.
Also speaking, Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency lawmaker, Hon. Daniel Amos, hailed the programme as “an incubator of future leaders,” while Jema’a LGA Chairman, Mr. Peter Tanko, pledged support for youth empowerment initiatives.
GLEMDI’s Executive Director, Mr. Habila Kayit, said the initiative seeks to instill values and practical exposure required for responsible leadership.
A symbolic tree-planting exercise was also held, linking leadership to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Organisers expressed optimism that the programme would sharpen the skills of student leaders and prepare them for higher responsibilities in shaping Nigeria’s future.
