Agency Report
Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), has attributed many of Nigeria’s current challenges to the failure of leaders and institutions to mentor and prepare younger generations for leadership.
Bakare stated this on Saturday while delivering the keynote address at the “Passing the Torch Mentorship Initiative” programme organised to mark the 60th birthday of businessman and mentor, Idorenyen Enang, in Lagos.
According to the cleric, the country has suffered from years of institutional neglect, leading to the erosion of values among citizens, particularly the youth.
He lamented that many political leaders are more concerned about winning future elections than investing in future generations.
“The consequences are visible everywhere, as a generation that is highly exposed, technologically connected and intellectually aware, yet many lack direction due to lack of mentorship,” he said.
Bakare stressed the need for leaders across all sectors to intentionally mentor young Nigerians and instill values capable of driving sustainable national development.
He noted that nation-building cannot be achieved without continuity in leadership, adding that any vision without succession is bound to disappear.
“Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo did not just build political structures, he built people.
“His influence shaped several leaders, like late Bola Ige, Lateef Jakande, Adekunle Ajasin among others who carried aspects of his vision into governance and public administration.
“In Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, played a foundational role in preparing and positioning Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa for national leadership.
“Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Pan-African ideals are not fully translated into ensuring institutions that could shape future generations of thinkers and statesmen.
“Nigeria has progressively lost many of the structures that once enabled effective trans-generational capacity building,” he said.
The cleric further stated that mentorship itself is not difficult, but many people are either unwilling to mentor others or reluctant to be mentored.
Bakare commended Enang for dedicating his life to mentoring young people and promoting leadership development.
“Enang is a living embodiment of mentorship. I have personally had the privilege to mentor him just like he has mentored so many young people.
“I am particularly delighted that the celebrant chose to celebrate his 60 years by continuing bringing the issue of bridging generation gap and mentoring younger Nigerians for a public discourse rather than throwing a lavish party,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Enang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Shepherds Ltd, said Nigeria has the capacity to replicate the achievements of its founding leaders through deliberate mentorship and leadership development.
The founder of the Passing-The-Torch (PTT) Initiative said the platform was established to promote leadership continuity, nation-building and mentorship across the country.
He also stressed the need for a change in societal values, especially among younger Nigerians.
Despite the challenges facing the country, Enang expressed optimism that the younger generation could still be guided towards positive values and responsible leadership.
“I thank God for the gift of life at 60 and most importantly for the interest to mentor people,” he said.
He pledged to continue supporting initiatives that would produce future leaders and role models for the nation.
Panelists at the event, including Dr Ini Abimbola, Mrs Julia Oku-Jacks, Mr Femi Odugbemi and Mr Ayo Adio, stressed the importance of mentorship and urged leaders to demonstrate values worthy of emulation.
They maintained that the values being passed to younger generations must be rooted in integrity, substance and excellence.
The panelists also called for stronger institutional mentorship structures, arguing that individuals alone cannot build a nation without support from functional institutions.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of Enang’s book titled “60 Navigational Truths.”
Reviewing the book, legal practitioner Charles Odenigbo described it as one of the greatest gifts the author could offer to those he mentors.
According to him, the publication contains lessons that could inspire positive transformation among leaders and individuals across different sectors of society.
