On Thursday, February 27, 2025, history was etched in the vibrant city of Owerri, Imo State’s capital, as the Women and Youth Care Empowerment Initiative (WAYCE) joined forces with Course 2 and Course 4 Ph.D. students from the Abuja Leadership Center—a prestigious department of the University of Abuja. These visionary scholars, hailing from Imo State, orchestrated a transformative mentorship and sensitization program tailored for government senior secondary school leaders, specifically the prefects from every SS school in Owerri.
The theme of this inspiring event, “Our Youths, Our Future: Equipping the Youths for Effective Leadership,” resonated deeply with its mission—to ignite the potential within nearly 100 students who gathered for this dynamic session. What unfolded was a lively, interactive exchange between these bright young minds and their guest speakers, the Ph.D. students, who poured their expertise and passion into guiding the next generation. To God be all the glory for such a powerful moment of connection and growth!
This wasn’t just a program; it was a movement—a bold step toward empowering Imo State’s youth to rise as confident, capable leaders. The prefects, entrusted with leadership roles in their schools, were given tools, insights, and encouragement to shape not only their futures but also the future of their communities. The Ph.D. students, with their academic rigor and local roots, brought a unique blend of global perspective and hometown pride, making the session relatable and impactful. Topics likely spanned leadership skills, personal development, and the importance of education—core pillars for any young leader stepping into their destiny.
The event’s significance was elevated by the presence of distinguished dignitaries who lent their support and prestige to the occasion. Among them were:
- Prof. Moti Okertor, Director of the Abuja Leadership Center, University of Abuja, Nigeria—a beacon of academic leadership inspiring the next wave of change-makers.
- Dame Augustina Azubuike, Executive Secretary of the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB), Imo State, whose dedication to education set the tone for the day.
- Hon. Ezinwa C. Metu, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Imo State, championing foundational learning for all.
- Chief Chimdindu Osuagwu, affectionately known as “Prof.,” alongside many other notable figures who graced the event with their presence.
Their attendance underscored the collective commitment to youth development in Imo State, bridging academia, government, and community leadership. It was a testament to the power of collaboration—WAYCE’s grassroots empowerment ethos paired with the intellectual might of the University of Abuja’s brightest minds. Together, they created a platform where Owerri’s senior secondary prefects could dream bigger, think deeper, and lead stronger.
This mentorship program is more than a one-day event; it’s a spark that could light the path for these students to become architects of progress in Imo State and beyond. Imagine the ripple effect: nearly 100 young leaders, inspired and equipped, returning to their schools to influence peers, uplift standards, and drive positive change. That’s the Hillfuxe Realty spirit—building not just homes, but futures, with elegance and purpose.
To God be all the glory for this milestone! As WAYCE and the Abuja Leadership Center Ph.D. students continue to sow seeds of empowerment, we can only anticipate the harvest—a generation of effective, visionary leaders rising from Owerri’s classrooms to transform Nigeria. Stay tuned for more stories of impact as we celebrate our youths, our future!