Christianah Alade (Intern)
The Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), has hosted its 4th Open Lecture Series, bringing together distinguished academics, administrators, policymakers and students
Penpushing reports that the event was held at Faculty of Social Sciences, a platform for critical discussions on the role of leadership in Nigeria’s political development, governance structures, democratic growth, and national advancement. where stakeholders deliberated on the theme, “Politics and Governance in Nigeria: The Leadership Question.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dele Odunlami, in his welcome address expressed appreciation to participants and emphasized the importance of addressing leadership challenges confronting Nigeria.
Penpushing further reports that this was followed by the official declaration of the lecture by Vice Chancellor, of the University Professor Ayodeji Agboola, while Dr. Shekilola Oladejo read citation of the guest lecturer, highlighting his professional accomplishments and contributions to national development.
The guest lecturer Dr. Adebola Akindele, however, pointed out that despite approximately 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the country continues to grapple with numerous developmental challenges.
Penpushing also reports that he stressed that any meaningful discussion on politics and leadership must critically examine the quality of leadership and governance structures, while clarifying that he is not a politician, he acknowledged his close interactions with political office holders due to the nature of his professional engagements.
“I am not a politician, but I know a lot of them because I need approval from them in order to provide my services to the public, and I have many of them as friends’, Akindele emphasised.
Penpushing reports that, he noted that successful leaders must possess the ability to initiate innovative ideas, make sound decisions, execute plans effectively, and activate resources and people toward achieving organizational goals.
“Initiate brilliant ideas that will work for you and your team, The leader’s interest should be the least important in order to get the best out of the team,” he emphasized.
Penpushing further reports that Akindele explained that for these four leadership variables to succeed, two conditions must be met, which include organizational objectives must be clear and unambiguous to every member of the team and leaders must place collective interests above personal interests.
‘The ability is not about who we think is best, but about where our interests lie, Ability of you to get the people behind you to move towards a goal willingly, without force’, he remarked.
Penpushing also reports that he equally explored the psychology of followership, arguing that people’s choices are often influenced by personal interests rather than objective assessments of competence.
The guest lecturer stated that three key factors shape individual interests and influence political behaviour: similarity, comfortability, and familiarity, as he noted that ideology remains a significant driving force in politics.
Penpushing reports that Akindele using Lagos and Ogun States as practical examples, highlighted the importance of continuity in governance, and attributed much of Lagos State’s developmental success to the existence of a structured leadership selection process and a governance blueprint that ensures continuity of projects across administrations.
The lecturer observed that unlike Lagos state, where successive governments often continue developmental initiatives started by their predecessors, Ogun State has witnessed several abandoned and unfinished projects resulting from policy discontinuity.
Penpushing further reports that he gave words of encouragement to students, expressing hope that they would surpass the achievements of the current generation of leaders and professionals.
The event gave opportunities for participants for an interactive question-and-answer session during which they engaged the guest lecturer on issues relating to leadership, governance, political participation, and national development.
Penpushing also reports that a major highlight of the lecture was his presentation of the four essential pillars of effective leadership, which he summarized with the acronym IDEA Initiate, Decide, Execute, Activate
The 4th Faculty of Social Sciences Open Lecture once again demonstrated Olabisi Onabanjo University’s commitment to intellectual engagement, policy discourse, and the pursuit of solutions to contemporary national challenges, while participants left the event with renewed insights
Penpushing reports that notable personalities in attendance were Dr. Adebola Akindele, Group Managing Director of Courteville Business Solutions; Professor Ayodeji Agboola, Professor Olatundun Oderinde, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Dr. Caleb Orukotan, Registrar; and Professor Fehintola Onifade, University Librarian
The others are Mr. Femi Sowunmi, Bursar; Professor Dele Odunlami, Professor Richard Aborisade, Chairman of the Planning Committee; Professor Israel Ade Abolurin, former Dean of the Faculty; and Associate Professor Semiu Bello, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, among others.
Penpushing reports that adding glamour to the event was a captivating cultural performance depicting fishing, transportation, and mobility through the traditional use of the “Aje” (paddle), a presentation which served as an entertaining interlude.
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