The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami has emphasised the imperative of structured leadership training for individuals aspiring to public office, describing it as a critical foundation for purposeful governance and sustainable national development.
Adelami made this assertion on Thursday while hosting members of the Ondo/Ekiti Chapter of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) at a dinner held at the Government House, Akure.
The AANI serves as the umbrella body for alumni of the Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, in Plateau State.
Addressing the gathering, the deputy governor noted that effective leadership is anchored on continuous capacity building.
He identified key components of leadership training to include analytical thinking, policy formulation, project design and management, as well as strategic decision-making.
Adelami, himself an alumnus of the Senior Executive Course 30 of NIPSS in 2008, commended the foresight of the institute’s founding fathers in establishing a platform that has consistently produced high-calibre leaders and contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
He further urged governments at all levels to give due consideration to policy recommendations and proposals generated by NIPSS participants, noting that such outputs are products of rigorous research and informed analysis aimed at addressing critical national challenges.
The high point of the evening was the announcement of Adelami as the Patron of the Ondo/Ekiti Chapter of AANI, a role that places on him the responsibility of providing guidance, support and strategic direction for the growth of the association across both states.
Earlier, the Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Akinjide Akinleye, lauded the deputy governor for exemplifying the impact of NIPSS training in public service.
He also presented several requests to the state government, including the engagement of AANI members in policy formulation, provision of a state secretariat, and sponsorship of members to national programmes and events.
The event was attended by prominent members of the association and top government officials, including Prof. Lawal Oyeneyin, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, Mr. Tope Lebile, Dr. O. Fakunle, Dr. Michael Ojo, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Kola Falohun.