The Resource Persons at the Generation Builders Conference (GBC) have urged students to rise beyond complaints about failed systems and begin to take deliberate responsibility to transform their communities.
They gave the advice at a campus symposium themed “Community Leadership: From Local to Global Perspective,” organised by the Generation Builders Conference (GBC).
The conference was held on Friday at the Twin Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
The Generation Builders Conference is a global outreach and philanthropic initiative, committed to identifying societal needs and mobilising resources from areas of surplus to areas of deficit for holistic development; spiritual, intellectual and physical.
The convener of the conference, Mr Dipo Apanisile, who facilitated the session, said the forum was designed to awaken students to their leadership potential and equip them with the right mindset to navigate life and contribute meaningfully to the society.
Speaking on “The Importance of Community Leadership,” Apanisile lamented that many talented individuals had failed to attain their full potential, not because of lack of ability, but due to environmental limitations and systemic challenges.
“Our environment has affected many gifted people who should have contributed immensely to societal development. While government plays a critical role, it cannot do it alone. Community leadership can make the difference,” he said.
Apanisile stressed that leadership is not defined by holding public office but by the ability to influence, guide and inspire positive change.
According to him, a true community leader is one who takes responsibility at the individual level and mobilises others toward collective progress.
He added that when individuals begin to solve problems within their immediate environment; whether in schools, neighbourhoods or professional spaces; they complement government efforts and create sustainable impact.
Speaking on “Critical Skills for Community Growth,” a legal practitioner and youth empowerment advocate, Mrs Oyetomi Adisa, identified self-awareness as the foundation of effective leadership.
She described self-awareness as the ability to take responsibility for one’s strengths and weaknesses through constant self-evaluation.
“Leadership begins with knowing yourself. You must be teachable and willing to learn from those who know better than you. Experience from others equips you to become a better leader,” she said.
Mrs Adisa emphasised resilience and determination, noting that aspiring leaders must be emotionally strong enough to withstand disappointment, which she described as a natural part of human experience.
“Do not wait for solutions to come to you. Look inward, re-evaluate yourself and strive for excellence. Be unstoppable,” she advised.
She further highlighted gratitude and discipline as essential attributes of successful individuals, warning students against wasting productive years on frivolous activities.
Mrs Adisa encouraged them to build meaningful networks with people of integrity and substance who could support their growth.
Also speaking, a business leader and Executive Director of Emadeb Energy Group, Mrs Gbesoye Olujimi, delivered a lecture on how to build systems for Community Leadership.
She explained that effective leadership requires intentional self-development and the ability to build functional systems that outlive individuals.
According to her, a good community leader must be a problem solver with integrity, good moral and a strong sense of ownership, adding that leadership is not accidental but must intentionally develop him or herself for the role.
Mrs Olujimi listed critical competencies required for community leadership to include strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, communication.
Others include good communication skills, resource management, collaboration, networking and the ability to make sacrifices for the greater good.
She said leaders must possess a good heart, honour and the capacity to analyse complex situations before taking decisions.
“A community leader must be a strategic thinker, display a high level of integrity to be able to enhance the development of his or her community,” she advised.
During an interactive session, the resource persons collectively expasiate the importance of strong determination and emotional strength, urging students to see setbacks as stepping stones rather than barriers.
Some of the participants, including Omoniyi Deborah and Godwin Abiodun, described the symposium as an eye opener.
They said the discussions had broadened their understanding of leadership and equipped them with practical insights to make informed life choices and contribute positively to their communities.