The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), says it has trained 2,687 Nigerians in multiple locations across the country for strategic leadership and sustainable development.
The Executive Director, Centre LSD, Monday Osasah, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, during a news conference to mark the center’s 15th anniversary.
Osasah, said the anniversary was a moment of reflection on the Centre’s journey, recognition of its achievements and a renewal of commitment to the vision of an African society.
He said that the Centre was establish to address three critical challenges constraining Africa’s progress, adding that these include the absence of dynamic, strategic, and visionary leadership.
He also said that it include the prevalence of inappropriate strategies that fail to address societal needs, as well as the adoption of development approaches that lack sustainability and inclusivity.
According to him, since its inception in January 2010, Centre LSD has pursued its mission of working with forces of positive change to empower citizens to transform society.
Osasah also said that over the past 15 years, the Centre’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of leadership had equipped individuals with the tools and knowledge for visionary leadership to transform the society.
”Established in 2009 and formally transferred to Centre LSD in 2010, the Centre LSD Leadership School has trained 2,687 students across multiple locations in Nigeria, including Abuja, Warri, Benin, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, and Jos.
”Students from countries like Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Niger have benefited.
“The centre trained over 165 individuals in Strategic Management, certified by the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMNC),” he disclosed.
The executive director also said that students of the Centre have moved on to impact their societies forming Alumni associations, leading community development initiatives, influencing policies, and driving societal change across Africa.
He added that the Centre prioritised strategic capacity building to ensure individuals and institutions have the tools to design and implement effective strategies and contribute to major national and regional strategies.
He added that the Centre advocated for women’s rights, abolishing harmful practices like the “money woman” tradition in Cross River State.
Osasah further disclosed that Centre LSD established the network of men leaders to end violence against women and increased youth and women participation in governance, particularly in the Niger Delta states.
He said the Centre also advocated for local government autonomy and supported campaigns to preserve civic spaces in Nigeria as well as promote education through projects like “Educate A Child” and “Community-Led Collective Action for Girls Education” to increase enrolment.
”The Centre also led advocacy for environmental sustainability, including the cleanup of Ogoni land and influencing environmental policies.
”It facilitated sanitation infrastructure to eradicate open defecation in communities like Durumi 3 and Ruwan Fulani in AMAC, and Kuyizhi in Kuje Area Council.
”Our Community-Led Total Sanitation intervention in communities in AMAC and Kuje area councils transformed communities into Open Defecation Free (ODF) zones, improving hygiene and health outcomes.
”The Centre facilitated the Enhanced agricultural practices and economic resilience through projects like “Feed the Future” in Kebbi State, Provided cash transfers, vocational training, and livelihood support, and uplifting several families in northern Nigeria from poverty.
”It also influenced the adoption of Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles in 25 Nigerian states,” he said.
Osasah further said that the Centre LSD would not rest on its oars, but continue to expanding its leadership school across Africa, with specialised programmes tailored for youth, women, and marginalised communities.
He added that it launched advanced digital tools, such as the Hostcommunities.ng app, to bridge gaps between communities and stakeholders to ensure accountability and transparency
He called on all stakeholders to join in building an Africa where leadership drives progress, policies empower people, and communities thrive in dignity and equity.
”Together, let us amplify the voices of the unheard, strengthen the foundations of justice, and create a legacy of sustainable development,” he added.
(NAN)
