By Ikechi Nzeako

Copyright independent

Chinedum Igwe, Executive Director of the International Association of African Authors and Scholars (IAAAS) and Scholars Professional Development Institute (PDI)

IAAAS-PDI), has tasked African youths to learn leadership skills first before seeking leadership positions.

He gave the counsel in Banjul, The Gambia, at the 2025 leadership skills training programme of the organization. The event was held between September 9 and 11. The theme of the event was “Resetting Africa’s Leadership Mindset.”

According to him, the objective of the leadership training programme was to empower African youths with robust leadership practices beginning with “Learning leadership skills first before seeking leadership position” for individual development, organizational growth and nation-building.

Igwe stated that, “Leadership does not begin overnight nor is it a one-day event. It’s a grassroots and early intervention practice. It’s a selfless public service and not a business center for self-enrichment.”

He said that, “early intervention in leadership is vital to prepare the youths early to replace the older generation without leaving a vacuum” adding that “without early intervention there will be a vacuum which will be hard to fill with ready to serve leaders.”

The executive director stated the “mission of the vision, objectives and goals of the organization are centered on authorship as an act of writing for the future and leadership as an act of leading well with the future mindset for others to live well.”

The event was organized in partnership with the Young Writers’ Association of The Gambia and The Gambia National Youth Parliament.

He thanked the leaders and partners and friends for making the training possible, especially Honorable Samba Bah, Kebba Juwara, Rohey Ceesay.

He also lauded the contributions of Charles Dr. Uti, General Secretary and Dr. Franklin Obiagwu, Assistant General Secretary and Africa representative.