Veterans Mentor Young Leaders at A4A Public Service & Governance Boot Camp

The Public Service and Governance Boot Camp, organized by Africa for Africa Youth Initiative (A4A), is a continuous and long term transformative mentorship program aimed at fostering the evolution of a new generation of informed and purposeful leaders as well as public servants, across the continent of Africa, that will revolutionize the public sector landscape of African nations.

The maiden edition of the Public Service and Governance Boot Camp 1.0, which commenced on Thursday, 18th July ending on Saturday 20th July 2019, had a set of 100 mentees selected from tertiary institutions across Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, and Kenya) converge on the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Nigeria, venue of the historic event. 

Acclaimed achievers and seasoned veterans in the public and private sectors, featured as facilitators and resource persons at the Boot Camp; Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), Hon. Barr. Serguis Oguns, Member, Nigeria House of Representatives, Deacon Sylvester Ebodaghe, Editor in Chief, National Daily Newspaper, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and the YPP presidential candidate at the 2019, presidential election in Nigeria. Also present at the event were, Pastor TT Edun; Member of the Central Executive Council (CEC), LoveWorld Inc., and Ministry Director, CE Abeakuta Ministry Center as well as Pastor Chike Ume; LoveWorld Campus Ministry Director and Executive Director, Africa for Africa Youth Initiative.

All sessions of the program were packed with rich content including; Specialized Mentorship Classes – Q & A with former President Obasanjo, general classes, breakout sessions, group research & presentations, tour of the Presidential Library – wildlife park tour, bonfire night, and a glorious Sunday Service at Christ Embassy Abeokuta Ministry Center.

African Statesman, and former President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), with sterling words of appreciation to the man of God; Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome, for his investment in young people, commenced an interactive mentoring class with the attendees. During the session, the former president emphasized the importance of quality education in enhancing human resource development. He stated that human resource, cannot be of much importance without the right type of education. Without education, you’re seriously limited in what you can contribute to your country he said.

 He quoted Lee Kwan Yew, who said “We did a few things right and we keep doing them right”, as an answer to the question: Why have Asian countries who were at par or behind some African countries pre-independence now ahead? Touching various aspects of public service and governance, he encouraged the young leaders to be visionary. Challenging them with the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, and the unique purpose of archiving African history that it serves, he told the mentees – ” You may have obstacles but never you say it cannot be done”. “YOU ARE THE AFRICA OF TODAY AND TOMORROW” Chief Olusegun Obasanjo concluded.

Participants at the boot camp enjoyed a special mentoring session, with Hon. Barr. Serguis Oguns, a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives at the Africa for Africa School of Government Bootcamp 1.0. Delivering his lecture, Barr. Serguis started by sharing his experience as a cell leader in Christ Embassy, growing to become the president of a fellowship, and always being excited about leadership. In a practical teaching on the topic; AN INTRODUCTION TO POLICY FORMULATION & IMPLEMENTATION, he enlightened the delegates on his ideas and impact both in the public and private sectors in Ngeria. 

He also elucidated on the importance of going above and beyond; from making policies to sustaining them and ensuring their effectiveness. The mentees got a better understanding of the dynamics and operations of government and were informed on their abilities as citizens to influence laws, and government policies ensuring that their voices are heard. Expounded on how to start, and where to begin, he asserted that participation in governance and training for it begins from your current sphere of influence or engagement. Hon. Barr. Serguis answered questions raised by participants at the end of his lecture.

Stay connected to LoveWorld News for more educative, and inspiring stories from the A4A PSG Boot Camp 1.0.

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