Akande, Others Graduate from National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos; Bags Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award
Akande, Others Graduate from National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos; Bags Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award
The development of youths and education has never mattered to any other like it does to Dr. Akande Tunde Kazeem. The serial humanitarian has carried out several projects across promoting peace, empowering youths, and supporting education in the past few years.
Akande and several other well meaning Nigerians graduate today from the topmost institute that teaches policy, strategy and leadership in Nigeria, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies. This is after a one-month short course that is expected to teach potential leaders about policy and strategy formulation, implementation, and leadership. The training featured several government officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Police Service Commission, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and several other government parastatals.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Jos today, Akande expressed his joy for being able to take this leap with faith and completing it without incidents. Akande noted that he felt it was not enough to contribute financially to peace, youth empowerment, and education. Akande believes it’s time to move and partner with the government to ensure there is development in the aforementioned sectors. Hence, he saw the importance of understanding policy making and implementation which is why he decided to fully fund and attend the short course.
Akande further noted that the one-month short course has been intensive and breathtaking. He commended the leadership of the institute for the rigorous and mind-opening training they have been able to dole out in just a month. Akande noted that this sojourn to Jos will definitely not be without fruits. He hinted the press that the Oyo state government should expect a policy proposal around education and youth entrepreneurship. He notably mentioned a policy proposal that will encourage the re-integration of retired teachers to teach core subjects at senior secondary school levels.
Adding to the colorful graduation ceremony was the recognition of Dr. Akande Kazeem by the African Youth Initiative for Good Governance and Peace. The convener of the group, Oyewole Micheal, noted that the organisation decided to bestow him with the Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award after following his giant strides in humanitarian services. The convener noted that the award was reserved for benevolent and altruistic individuals who have made impact in the lives of people in their communities. They encouraged Akande to keep doing good in the world and putting smiles on the faces of people.
More importantly, Akande hinted that he’s willing to share the wealth of knowledge gained from the institute with ministries and department in Oyo state. He elaborated that he believes that leadership is a major problem that is affecting the functionality of some ministries and some of these issues could be solved by sharing knowledge from the institute. He said even students and youths who are interested could also benefit from this initiative.
Also speaking at the graduation event is the Director General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Ayo Omotayo, ably represented by Prof Funmi Para-Malam mni . He noted the importance of the institute to the nation stating that it has built leaders in government and several ministries for many decades. Professor Ayo noted that the short course might look abridged but participants have gained the best of policy making, implementation, and leadership. He encouraged the participants to make efforts to attend the extensive course in 2024.
Akande extended his thanks to colleagues and staff of NIPPS who have made the stay in Jos great. He extended his appreciation to Prof. Ayo Omotayo; Director General , Brig Gen CFJ Udaya mni, Prof. OJ.Para-Mallam mni, Prof. Pam Dung, Prof Jane Ande, Rt Hon Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Mrs Sandra Agbor, Mr Chinedu Okoye, Mrs Oluwakemi Aina, Mr Isiah Muhammed Ozi, Dajan Maksat Caleb, Maryann Badooh, Chioma Ohadiugha, the faculties and other management staff
Akande didn’t conclude without highlighting the cold weather in Jos and asserted that Jos is indeed a beautiful place to be. He concluded that he looked forward to attending the proper course come 2024.
