By; Ajadi Sodiq
The Association of International Students of Economics and Commerce (AIESEC) marked a significant milestone by hosting its two-day Leadership Summit at the University of Ibadan on the 7th and 8th of September, 2023.
Distinguished personalities and accomplished business owners from across the country graced this event.
Some of the notable attendees were Seun Fakorede, Mr. Biodun Kolade, Mr. Ayo Bankole, Dr. Lanre Phillips, Mr. Victor Fatanmi, Mr. Raphael Stephen, and Mrs. Edidi-Balogun. These prominent figures congregated to deliberate on the theme “Leadership Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Future Leaders in the Student Community.”
The summit unfolded at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre (NFLT), located on Tech Road within the premises of the University of Ibadan. While Day 1 started two hours late, Day 2 of the summit commenced punctually at 10 a.m, drawing the presence of several Student Union (SU) executives, including the Vice President, and various student representatives.
On Day 2, Mrs. Rasheedat Edidi-Balogun delivered a profound address on the topic of integrity and its pivotal role in establishing trust within leadership. She emphasized, “Integrity reveals who you are when no one is watching. There are no shortcuts to integrity.”
Mrs. Rasheedat encouraged student leaders to uphold their integrity as their enduring legacy, advising them not to deviate from the principles they advocate for their followers. She emphasized that when a leader’s actions align with their values, integrity thrives, leaving a lasting impact.
Additionally, Mr. Biodun Kolade shared insights into the strategies and benefits of building high-performing teams. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he elaborated on fostering team dynamics that contribute to achieving common goals.
He said, “In a team, you are either the ammunition or the barrel; you either drive results or assist others in doing so. Within any team, approximately 90 percent serve as ammunition, while the remainder function as the barrel, as not every member needs to be an innovator.”
The summit also featured a panel discussion among Student Leaders on Campus. This panel session, titled “Leadership Opportunities and Challenges,” provided an enlightening exploration of the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in leadership. The panel consisted of six Student Leaders from diverse positions and backgrounds: Mr. Aquah Christian, Mr. Afolabi Nasirudeen, Miss. Eniola Olatoye(Former ]SRC Speaker, Mr. Adewole Adeyinka (Former UI Student Union President), Miss. Neyen Williams (Former TLDS, UI President), and Miss. Tioluwanimi Obisesan.
AIESEC’s inaugural Leadership Summit at the University of Ibadan proved to be an enlightening and insightful event that undoubtedly left a profound impact on all attendees, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to lead effectively and ethically in the future.
