by By Fred Abua
The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has participated in a 3-day Executive Leadership Retreat for first- and second-term Nigerian Governors in Kigali, Rwanda, from 24 to 26 August 2023, at the invitation of His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda. The retreat was dedicated to fostering dialogue on reimagining leadership and leveraging innovative technology, drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s transformative journey.
The event, tagged “Rethinking Leadership and Leading Systems” was organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The distinguished participants, representing 19 Nigerian States, engaged in sessions that explored Rwanda’s successful investment destination transformation in digital technology, urban planning and socio-economic transformation, ending with a candid private dialogue with President Kagame.
Speaking shortly after his return from Rwanda, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who attended the retreat in the place of the Governor said he had a wonderful discussion with the President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame whom he described as a refined leader that has transformed the East African nation. Hon. Peter Odey expressed faith that the transformation that has occurred in Rwanda is possible in Nigeria with determination, innovation and honest leadership.
Addressing participants at the event, Matthias Z. Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, in his opening remarks said “Adaptive leaders possess the unique ability to not only acknowledge the challenges that come their way, but to also harness them as opportunities for growth and innovation.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a non-partisan organization made up of Governors of all the states in the country has become a major link between government, development partners and private organizations while witnessing increased cooperation between the States and the Federal Government, particularly on collaborative pathways to overcoming commonly shared developmental challenges. It is hoped that the Executive Leadership Retreat will provide the new governors with new strategies to tackle development challenges within their States.
On his return to the state on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport by Commissioners and other Government officials.
