Big 3: Africa Conference, Anniversary & Graduation

“The time for complaints is over. Act boldly, for to make an omelet, you must break the egg.” — Prof. PLO Lumumba

Last week marked the unforgettable Big 3 Events (October 2nd–4th) — with the Africa Conference on Day 1, the FixPolitics 5th Anniversary on Day 2, and the Graduation of the 5th Cohort of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) on Day 3.

I am delighted to announce that I have graduated with a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy (CPLP) from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance.

Out of over 1,000 applications, 450 admissions, and 262 graduates, I am honored to be one of the successful graduates.

The graduation ceremony featured timely and inspiring addresses by Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (former Deputy President of South Africa and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, UN Women), Prof. PLO Lumumba (renowned Pan-Africanist), and H.E. Dr. Alex Otti (Governor of Abia State — my home state). Their speeches reinforced the event’s theme: “Embracing and Preparing Leaders of a New Global Order Where Africa Builds on Its Own Terms”.

I am grateful to Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili (Founder, SPPG Africa), Ma Alero Ayida-Otobo (CEO, SPPG Africa), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi (Dean, SPPG Nigeria), Mr. Frank Nweke II (Chair, FixPolitics), HLE, FLO, SAO and all SPPG leaders and facilitators for dedication to training the leaders of today and tomorrow.

It took resilience to complete the ten months of intensive learning, coaching, and mentoring. I attended over 150 classes held from 6–9 p.m. every Tuesday to Friday, with occasional sessions on Mondays and Saturdays. I also participated actively in our capstone project, “The Citizens’ Charter of Demand”, which ranked among the top 7 capstone projects, and in my Community of Practice (COP) group, which emerged as the 3rd best COP group.

Learning from the SPPG faculty, comprising seasoned professionals, technocrats, experts and leaders, has reshaped my understanding of leadership. Learning and engaging with my classmates taught me the importance of humility, excellence, and openness to knowledge and change.

For me, this marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making my community, state, and nation a better place.

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