By Selfish Leadership – Don

the second year, even in a bigger way. I am hopeful that it will become a yearly event by the faculty.

We also had a faculty international symposium where we had two speakers from the UK and one from the University of Ibadan. The faculty newsletter was birthed.

Our animal house for research was upgraded and equipped. We got full accreditation for all our faculty programmes from the National Universities Commission ( NUC) and so much more to the glory of God.

There are stereotypes about women in leadership. How can people get over this?

Well, I have been in leadership positions a number of times. I just want to say that I believe that there is nothing like a woman or man when it comes to working or getting the work done. My philosophy is that what is expected to be done should be done expeditiously without giving a gender- based excuse of being a woman. A woman can do everything because it is doable. If a man can do it; then that means that it can be done. I usually say a person who says it can’t be done is contradicted by the person doing it.

Having said that, it is good to speak about how women survive in an environment that is dominated by men. I will speak about myself; my principle is that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. I don’t give half measures and whatever is placed in my hands, I do it to the best of my ability. I don’t cut corners. I don’t know how to do that. I believe so much in hard work. Of course, everything is superimposed with the power of God; God is the ultimate. He will even magnify and bless the effort one puts in. It’s very bad if you don’t put any effort, because there’s nothing for God to work on. If one is hard- working, focused, and disciplined, then it is possible to achieve resounding success. When there is a will, there is a way.

These are my core values. So, when I find myself in leadership positions, it is always the same principles I apply. One that readily comes to mind happened when I was in the office of the Director in the UI Zoo. I keep on telling people that to have a good government is not rocket science. It is just that we need people who will deliver good governance. We did a lot of projects in the UI Zoo from the donations I sourced and monies gotten from the University Management running into almost a billion naira. I didn’t take a kobo. I wasn’t raised like that. If we can have people like that in government, then things can move around. Now, unfortunately, we are all tainted with corruption in Nigeria because so many people in the country are corrupt. Passion and selflessness are missing in leadership in the country. I’m so pained about Nigeria and its corruption status. Some years ago, we had some visitors from South Africa, and I think they had some visa issues. They were asking me if I was part of the people who collected visa money from them. I have never been more insulted. They made that statement because the whole country is tainted. It takes a lot to be greater than your corruption- tainted country. I have never taken anybody’s kobo or penny. So, I felt very bad. I had to warn these visitors sternly that the mere fact that you think Nigeria is corrupt doesn’t mean that every Nigerian is corrupt. I keep on wondering what I will do with someone else’s thing or money. My parents were disciplinarians who were God- fearing. So, I live according to the Bible, which says we should owe no man nothing except love. I prefer others owing me money than for me to owe anyone.

So, I really look forward to this country changing, because that would mean a lot of resources for all of us. We are so blessed as a nation and shouldn’t even be borrowing. Unfortunately, the nation’s wealth has been mismanaged by evil and selfish people. Our money is in the wrong hands.

Then, being a woman too, it is believed that for you to have a position or do well, you need a man to do something, or you have to look up to a man to do something.

This is a wrong mindset. I’m a living testimony. I didn’t have to cut corners or sleep with any man or see any man because I wanted anything. These are the things I really wish I could pass on to young females. The way some institutions or organisations work, even the men there think they are the answered prayer for the women, you understand. Once you’re hardworking, focused, and Godly and determined, you will make it.

As a teen’s pastor, what is the role of the church in moulding the future of the younger generation?

As a teen’s pastor, the role of the church in moulding the future of the younger generation is both significant and multifaceted. The roles range from spiritual guidance, moral and ethical education, education and empowerment, service, counseling and mental health support, role modeling, parental support, and prayers.

Broadly speaking, the church plays a crucial role in providing spiritual guidance and nurturing the faith of young people. This involves teaching biblical principles, helping teens develop a personal relationship with God, and addressing their spiritual questions and concerns. The church can instil strong moral and ethical values in young people, teaching them about integrity, kindness, empathy, and the importance of making ethical choices in their lives.

Church communities provide a sense of belonging and support, and teens can find mentors, role models, and friends within the church that can guide and encourage them on their life journey. The church can offer educational programmes that empower young people with practical life skills, including financial literacy, technical and communication skills, leadership development, and conflict resolution.

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