By Felix Khanoba
The Institute for Leadership and Development Communication (ILDC) has inducted about 20 new members, urging them to demonstrate practical, data-driven, and transparent leadership qualities essential for addressing Africa’s development challenges.
President and founder of the Institute, Associate Professor Desmond Okocha, gave the charge during the induction ceremony held on Saturday in Abuja.
He stressed that adopting Eurocentric developmental models would continue to hinder Africa’s progress.
“We have discovered from our findings, because we work alongside universities and national organizations, that the repeated implementation and execution of the Eurocentric development model will never develop the African continent, because to copy is not equal to the original,” he said.
Okocha, who is an associate professor at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, emphasized the need for accountability and homegrown solutions, adding that African leaders must promote “Africanness” in solving continental issues.
“Apart from the micro level of our individual lives, our little families, our communities, the little commitments given to us must have accountability, and must ensure that we promote Africanness in the solutions we bring to the table in addressing African problems.
“You cannot use American, European, Western solutions to address African problems, because solutions or models have spirits that go along with them. It is impossible to bring an Eurocentric spirit that comes with a model to operate and execute and address African problems. So we need to indigenalize our problems, our solutions, and our successes,” he said.
On the induction, the erudite scholar explained that about 20 new members were admitted into the Institute under different categories, which include fellows, members, and associates.
He called on government at all levels to invest more in data-driven communication to counter misinformation and enhance transparency in governance.
“We want to appeal to those who are empowered to be transparent, to also be credible, and to ensure there’s merit in the distribution of natural, human, and power resources in this country. If that is done, it will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in governance, and ensure that when there is a continuum or a transition, whoever is coming to take over from you can start from where you have left off,” Okocha stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Bingham University, Gabriel Tivlumun Nyitse, commended the Institute’s growth and its impact on media and communication professionals.
According to him, the training programme preceding the induction positively impacted participants and provided insights into emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and technology.
“The training is where issues were discussed. Issues that can direct the media from where we are now to a new frontiers, talking of AI, technology (among others),” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, expressed his administration’s willingness to partner with the Institute in capacity building and communication training.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Fidelis Unongo, the governor underscored the importance of effective communication to governance.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, he said I should tell you that the state government will also key into this. Communication is key to everybody even the government.
“How we communicate our projects and what we do as a state to Benue indigenes and Nigerians, is very important, we will key into this. We will talk with your organization to see how we can step this down to the state government especially those that are in charge of handling our state communication, so that we can communicate better. You have the state government support,” he said.
Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, also emphasized the centrality of communication to national development and pledged VON’s collaboration with the Institute.
“It’s not enough to say I have a degree. What answer are you bringing to the table? What is your niche? You go to an interview, you may have all the qualifications, but you look at how you present it. So, it’s important that we take what is happening here seriously and beyond the ground,” he said.
Ndace further disclosed that VON would soon partner with ILDC for capacity building of its staff.
In his remarks, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, lauded the Institute’s initiative and revealed plans to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ILDC for staff training.
The ceremony also featured presentation of awards to nine Nigerians recognized for their contributions to innovation and development across various sectors.
