Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, emphasized that governors are now better prepared to deliver effective governance due to improved leadership strategies. He praised the leadership retreat organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a platform for enhancing governance at the sub-national level.
Makinde, also the Vice Chairman of the NGF, shared his insights after a three-day executive leadership training in Kigali, Rwanda. Attended by 19 Nigerian state governors and hosted by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the retreat focused on innovative technology, urban planning, and socio-economic transformation.
Themed ‘Reimagining leadership in a fast-changing world’, the retreat explored Rwanda’s successful transformation journey. The discussions aimed to equip participants with adaptive leadership strategies and pathways to effective governance for sustainable development across Nigeria.
NGF Director General, Asishana Okauru, highlighted the non-partisan organization’s aim to foster transformative leadership through open dialogues on crucial themes. UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, noted that the gathering offers an opportunity to reimagine Nigeria’s leadership for nationwide sustainable development, aligning with UNDP’s mandate.
The retreat encompassed sessions on rethinking leadership, leading systems, self, and delivery, as well as observational learning through visits to Rwanda’s innovation hub, Norrsken House, the Rwanda Development Board, and the City of Kigali’s Mayor. This initiative seeks to empower governors with insights and strategies to enhance governance outcomes in their respective states.
