By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), a leading non-governmental organization and think tank, which was established to build strategic leadership for sustainable development across Africa, has, in highlighting some of its achievements in the past years, stated that it trained 2,687 individuals across Nigeria.
Making this revelation, was Mr. Monday Osasah, Executive Director of the Centre LSD, at a press conference to mark the 15th anniversary of the Centre.
According to Mr. Monday, over the past 15 years, the centre’s unrelenting efforts and belief in the transformative power of leadership has equipped individuals with the tools and knowledge for visionary leadership to transform the society.
The Executive Director, in reeling out some of the achievements of the centre stated that the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), has trained 2,687 Nigerians in Abuja, Warri, Benin, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, and Jos, for strategic leadership and sustainable development.
”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 stated
He further stated that students of the Centre had moved on to impact their societies forming Alumni associations, leading community development initiatives, influencing policies, and driving societal change across Africa.
Adding that the Centre advocated for women’s rights, abolishing harmful practices like the “money woman” tradition in Cross River State, Mr. Monday, said that the centre 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 disclosed.
Speaking further, the Executive Director stated that the Centre LSD would not rest on its oars, but continue to expanding its leadership school across Africa, with specialized programmes tailored for youth, women, and marginalized 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
Mr. Monday used the opportunity to enjoin stakeholders to build a continent where leadership drives progress, policies empower people, and communities thrive in dignity and equity.
