Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), says responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), integrity and critical thinking are essential for future leaders.
Sulaiman said this on Thursday at the Vision 2035 AI-Athon 2.0 Interschool Digital LeadHERship Workshop, organised by the Young Communicators Initiative in Abuja.
The programme, held to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, had the theme: “Building LeadHERS of Today for Leadership of Tomorrow.”
He said AI was changing how people learn, communicate, work and solve problems, highlighting the need for young women to acquire digital skills and use technology ethically.
“We cannot prepare young women for leadership in the 21st century using only the tools and assumptions of the 20th century.
“Artificial Intelligence is already changing the way people learn, communicate, work and solve problems.
“Young women must learn not only how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly, ethically and creatively.
“Technology does not create leadership, people do,” he said.
Sulaiman said leadership begins before people assume official positions, explaining that it is rooted in personal values, knowledge and the willingness to accept responsibility.
According to him, AI cannot replace integrity, empathy, courage, responsibility or sound judgement.
Sulaiman urged the students not to underestimate themselves because of their age, noting that their opinions and contributions could make a difference in their schools and communities.
“Do not be afraid to speak because you are younger and do not assume your opinion is unimportant because you are a student,” he said.
Prof. Gabriel Adeniyi, Vice-Chancellor, Baze University, Abuja represented by Yusuf Bako of International Relations and Diplomacy Department urged youths to reject discrimination, prejudice and other harmful behaviours.
Adeniyi said leadership was not limited to holding public office or occupying positions of authority, but begins with personal choices, values and the willingness to make life better for others.
He said every generation inherited valuable lessons from its predecessors but must distinguish between positive values and harmful practices.
“Every generation receives a baton from those who came before it, that baton contains knowledge, experience, wisdom, sacrifice, courage and lessons learned from difficult moments.
“But there is an important distinction between carrying the baton and carrying the baggage.
“Not everything handed down to us deserves to be carried forward,” he said.
Adeniyi also urged young men to support the ambitions of their female counterparts, stressing that the society will become stronger when everyone have equal opportunities to contribute.
He said the next generation should improve existing institutions, challenge harmful assumptions and build a more inclusive society.
Azubuike Ishiekwene, Vice-Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, said storytelling and effective communication are important tools for leadership and social change.
“Stories shape societies, compelling stories create impact and shape the future, every leader whether in government, business, civil society or the media is a storyteller,” he said.
Ishiekwene said his experience as a journalist showed him how stories could influence public understanding of politics, the economy and society.
He further said that leaders needed to consider the messages they communicated and the effects on the people they served.
“A leader who tells a story that people will feel in their bones will lead for a long time,” he said.
Ishiekwene encouraged the students to develop their communication skills and ensure their stories were genuine, relevant and connected to people’s experiences.(NAN)
