Ituah Ighodalo, John Dara, Omasan Buwa, Matilda Kerry, George Ashiru, Akintokunbo Adejumo, Patricia Omoqui and Theunis Van Rensburg speak on leadership principles, practices and potential
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Mr. John Dara, Dr. Matilda Kerry, Revd George Ashiru and Mr. Akintokunbo Adejunmo
Saturday June 26 witnessed the gathering of some of Nigeria’s top emerging leaders under the auspices of the Town Hall Meeting Project, a project convened by George Ashiru. The six hour program anchored and moderated by Ayodeji Jeremiah, (Editor TIMELESS) and Lilian Imoni, (Project Coordinator SIEF) featured video presentations by the Thought Dr. and internationally recognized speaker, life coach and writer Patricia Omoqui and the South African IT specialist, visionary and activist, Theunis Van Rensburg. Other speakers at the occasion were Editor-in-Chief of TIMELESS magazine, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; the convener, Revd George Ashiru; presidential candidate of the National Transformation Party, Mr. John Dara; former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (1987) and now Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Ms. Omasan Buwa; another former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (2000) Dr. Matilda Kerry; and founder and Global Coordinator of Champions For Nigeria, Mr. Akintokunbo Adejumo. 
A cross section of participants at the summit
The discussions centred on topics like Transforming Nigerian Politics; Is Nigeria a Country or a Nation; Why I am in Politics; The Kind of Leader Nigeria Needs; Activating Our Visions; Nigeria: Past, Present and Future amongst others.
Lilian Imoni and Ayodeji Jeremiah
THMP is a cause dedicated to the collation of the views, ideas, ideals, values and mission concerning the Nigerian nation with the primary goal of having a popularly influenced blueprint in 10 areas of much needed reform in community, state and national existence. THMP, which is also involved in community action, good governance and citizenship initiatives, is completely apolitical and secular in its scope and nature. The members and coordinators are volunteers and patriots who are dedicated to the well being of the Governance and people of Nigeria.
A cross section of participants at the summit
The group held the summit as part of its objectives in raising and empowering a new generation of leaders, and as part of its mission in providing forums where Nigerians can tackle various issues of national importance through brainstorming.
Mrs. Eniola Afolabi and Revd George Ashiru
Here is a summary of major points at the discourse:
1. Not all leaders are born, a lot are made. Even those born into leadership have to be taught leadership traits and principles.
2. Leadership should be taught from childhood and the teenage years. Organisations such as the Boys Scout should be reinvigorated across the country.
3. Leadership is all about fixing problems and not about looting or abandoning ship when things go wrong.
4. Future leaders have to be mentored.
5. Mentors have to see the potential in others, set achievable goals for their protégés, accept their protégés and show genuine love, care and concern and celebrate their successes.
6. Nigerians have to get actively involved in the political and electoral process rather than just complaining all the time. ‘We have to walk our talk.’
7. Nations move forward because citizens have confidence in their leaders. This is called social mobilization. It is time Nigerians start having leaders that they can have confidence in.
8. Drastic and sacrificial solutions are needed to change Nigeria. Nigerians must be ready to make such sacrifices.
9. We need visionary leaders that can address the faulty foundations on which our country was built.
10. We need good people as leaders who can talk to the people, be accountable to the people, selfless and passionate leaders who are intelligent and can think, and who are ready to work tirelessly hard for Nigeria.
11. Values such as hard work, truth, honesty, intelligence and integrity need to be brought back and celebrated in our country.
12. Nigeria is a great country with all the necessary human and mineral resources. What is therefore lacking are good people who are available but unwilling to offer themselves for leadership positions because of the complexities of the system. We need to look for such people.
13. It is time that religious organisations, schools and families start teaching people how to be good people in the society.
14. Leaders are planners. Aspiring leaders must start building skills that will enable them prepare adequately for future leadership positions.
15. We need discipline to build a great country and such discipline must start from our individual lives, homes and churches or mosques. Discipline by legislation as witnessed during the Buhari/Idiagbon regime should be eschewed by all Nigerians.
16. Rebuilding Nigeria is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
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