The Symposium with the theme “The Importance of Leadership in Governance,” is organized to stimulate meaningful dialogue on leadership values, governance ethics, and national development.
According to the event schedule, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation, will serve as Guest Speakers. Governor Seyi Makinde will chair the event, while Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, of M.A. Banire & Associates, will deliver the keynote address.
Other notable participants include Prof. Is-Haq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB (Lead Discussant), and a host of discussants such as Dr. Moses Ogunleye, Dr. Aminat Ige, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, Dr. Adekunle Amos Adediran, Dr. Jeminat Omotade Sodimu, Provost, Ogun State School of Nursing and Sciences, and Miss Tijjani Mustaqemat Taiwo, representing the youth. The session will be moderated by Mr Toyin Ayinde.
Speaking on the theme at a press briefing on Saturday ahead of the event, the Convener of the Symposium, Aare Kazeem Bakinson, PhD, the Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom, emphasized that leadership remains Nigeria’s fundamental problem.
“We do not have leaders. The problem of Nigeria is leadership ,"I just came back from the United kingdom,I was in a place that,I don't know where the water was coming from,I didn't know where the gas was coming from, Even the trains keep to time”.
Aare Bakinson explained that the Ajibosin Platform is envisioned as a non-political intellectual movement designed to promote integrity, accountability, and excellence in leadership.
“We want future leaders,to be struggling to be panelists of ajibosin platform , want it to be a none political platform,where people will say that I want to go and speak in ajibosin platform ,we want it to be an event that will be attended more than when Chelsea is playing with Arsenal,so that's our vision ,so I want you to catch the vision”.
He lamented the erosion of integrity and accountability in public life, stating that most governance failures stem from weak leadership and poor enforcement of law and order.
“Leadership is about integrity , doing the right thing when no one is watching. If we get leadership right, our roads will be better, hospitals will function, cultism will reduce in universities, and families will be better ,” he added.
Bakinson also criticized the disconnect between political leaders and the communities they serve, noting that many local government chairmen do not live in their constituencies, while 70% of buildings lack official approval ,clear symptoms, he said, of leadership failure.
He further lamented the plight of law enforcement officers and teachers, arguing that they are underpaid and demoralized, which undermines discipline and governance in the country.
“The police and teachers are supposed to be among the most respected professionals, but many are poorly treated. Some officers look unkempt and resort to drinking alcohol to cope on duty. If enforcement is weak, discipline cannot be achieved,” he noted.
The Ajibosin Platform Symposium promises to be one of the high points of this year’s Owu Day celebration, bringing together leaders from across the public and private sectors to deliberate on how effective leadership can drive national transformation.
