Date: 7th November 2025
Venue: Abuja, Nigeria
Introduction
During the 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) Fellows Bootcamp, Conference, and Graduation Ceremony, Fellows the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship gathered for the Fellowship’s closing sessions, featuring inspiring addresses from distinguished speakers. Among the highlights of the event was the Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Sam Amadi, Director, Abuja School of Social ^ Political Thought Centre for Public Policy and Research, whose remarks deeply resonated with the Fellows and other attendees. His address reflected on the essence of leadership, the power of youth engagement, and the responsibility of emerging leaders to drive transformation in governance.
Building Purposeful Leadership
Dr. Amadi began by commending The Bridge Leadership Foundation for nurturing a generation of purpose-driven leaders through the EPLF platform. He emphasized that leadership is not a title but a responsibility, one that demands discipline, empathy, and the courage to serve selflessly.
He reminded the Fellows that every generation must redefine leadership in its own time, and this generation’s task is to lead with wisdom, integrity, and vision.
“Leadership is not about occupying space; it is about creating impact. Every policy you influence, every project you execute, and every person you inspire becomes part of your leadership legacy.”
Ethics, Competence, and Courage
Speaking on the ethics of leadership, Dr. Amadi urged the Fellows to uphold moral values and resist the temptation of cutting corners. He underscored that competence must be matched with courage, the courage to stand for what is right and make decisions that reflect justice and fairness. He added that true leadership is not about longevity in office, but about the quality of transformation achieved while in service.
Youth, Innovation, and Governance
Dr. Amadi emphasized that innovation is central to governance in the modern era. He encouraged Fellows to leverage technology, data, and creativity to design solutions that meet people’s real needs.
“In the age of Artificial Intelligence and global disruption, the true power lies in human intelligence, emotional intelligence, and civic intelligence. The leaders who master these will shape the future.”
He called on young leaders to be bold in using new ideas to tackle governance challenges and to see technology as a tool for accountability and transparency.
The Role of Networks and Collaboration
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Dr. Amadi urged the Fellows to build strategic alliances across sectors. He noted that partnerships between public institutions, civil society, and the private sector are essential for sustainable development and social change.
He commended The Bridge Leadership Foundation for fostering a network of emerging leaders who continue to support and learn from one another beyond the Fellowship.
Sustainability and Legacy
In closing, Dr. Amadi reminded the Fellows that true leadership is about creating systems that endure beyond one’s time in office. He charged them to build institutions, strengthen trust, and nurture values that future generations can inherit.
“The future belongs to those who are ready to serve beyond self, beyond applause, and beyond ambition. True leadership is measured not by what you take from society, but by what you give back to it.”
Closing Charge
As he concluded his address, Dr. Amadi congratulated the 2025 Cohort for completing the rigorous Fellowship journey. He encouraged them to go forth as ambassadors of transformation — leading with integrity, innovation, and courage.
The audience responded with a standing ovation, inspired by his words and renewed in their commitment to lead change within their communities and across Nigeria.
#Nigeria governance #Sam Amadi #A new Nigeria
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