Leadership is earned, not inherited – Kalu

By Christiana Ekpa

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Thursday charged Nigerian youths that, courage, strategic thinking, and competence define enduring leadership, hence the need for them to remain committed to lifelong learning of leadership skills to move the nation forward.
He stated this in an address when he received a delegation from ‘Bridge Leadership Foundation’ on a courtesy in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
The visiting delegation were graduates of a six month intensive leadership training program for Nigerian youths conducted by the Foundation.
According to him, as emerging leaders, they must understand that influence is earned, not inherited adding that, true leadership is measured by one’s ability to translate ideas into action, to negotiate across differences without compromising principle, and to ensure that policies achieve tangible results.
He said, “It is tested in the chamber, the committee room, and in every encounter with the citizenry. Your credibility as a leader will be judged not by ambition alone, but by preparation, wisdom, and the impact you create.
“Leadership, my friends, is not a ceremonial title. It is the art of service, the practice of wisdom, and the courage to act in the face of uncertainty. It is tested in moments of decision, not in moments of applause. As a lawyer and a parliamentarian, I have come to understand that the power to legislate carries with it an obligation to be measured, principled, and relentless in pursuit of justice.
“And so, understanding the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership, we must now confront the reality before us that demands courage, clarity, and the engagement of Nigeria’s greatest asset: its youth”.
He added that, Nigerian youths have a great stakes in Nigeria’s democracy and leadership sphere because Nigeria has a remarkably young population.