The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) graduated 262 youths in Abuja, with Oby Ezekwesili, Patrick Lumumba, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and Alex Otti urging ethical, people-centered leadership for Africa’s renewal.
The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) on Tuesday graduated 262 youths from its Class of 2025, celebrating them as “unconventional leaders” equipped to drive Africa’s transformation through ethical, evidence-based, and people-centered leadership.
The colourful ceremony, held in Abuja, underscored SPPG’s mission to nurture competent and values-driven leaders committed to redefining the continent’s development trajectory.
“Blueprints for Africa’s Future”
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of SPPG Africa, Mrs. Alero Ayida-Otobo, described the graduates’ capstone projects as “blueprints for Nigeria and Africa’s future.”
She reminded the cohort that their certificates were “not a destination but a commissioning,” urging them to harness Africa’s human capital to build systems that uplift the vulnerable.
Tribute to Somtochukwu Maduagwu
The ceremony also featured a tribute to Somtochukwu (Sommie) Maduagwu, a 2023 SPPG graduate who was killed in a robbery.
SPPG Chair, Mr. Frank Nweke II, and Ayida-Otobo honoured her legacy, charging the Class of 2025 to champion urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health and security sectors in her memory.
Ezekwesili: “Lead with Compassion and Wisdom”
Founder of SPPG and #FixPolitics visionary, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, called for value-driven leadership, drawing from her personal experiences, including her 2019 political campaign.
Ezekwesili urged the graduates to reject transactional politics and instead focus on transformational governance that prioritises citizens’ welfare.
Mlambo-Ngcuka: “Africa’s Poverty Is a Leadership Problem”
Former Deputy President of South Africa and UN Women Executive Director, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, challenged the graduates to lead Africa out of what she described as the paradox of a rich continent with poor people.
She noted that Africa possesses over half of the world’s arable land and vast mineral wealth, yet remains a “poster card of poverty.”
Mlambo-Ngcuka urged the graduates to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—and to serve as public servants, not public masters.
She cautioned that many educated individuals engage in corruption, challenging the graduates to become the antidote to that trend.
The former UN Women chief also called for stronger protection of women’s rights, warning that global progress since the 1995 Beijing Declaration is at risk of reversal.
Lumumba: “Overcome the Paralysis of Do-Nothingism”
Delivering the keynote address, renowned Pan-African scholar, Professor Patrick Lumumba, urged the graduates to overcome what he termed the “paralysis of do-nothingism.”
He challenged the new leaders to translate ideas into action, stressing that Africa’s transformation depends on courageous, ethical, and visionary leadership.
Otti: “Politics Is a Vocation, Not a Job”
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, began his address with the quote, “Politics is too important to be left in the hands of politicians.”
He argued that politics is not a job but a vocation, emphasising that leaders must have professional experience before venturing into governance.
He urged the graduates to challenge mediocrity and ensure that those suffering from poor policies are no longer ignored.
Awards and Recognitions
Outstanding academic and leadership performances were recognised during the ceremony.
- Benjamin and Cecilia Ujubuonu Award: Omolola Oluwaseun Oluwadara
- Dean’s Award: Omolola Oluwaseun Oluwadara and Duke Olurin
- Capstone Project Awards:
- 1st Place – National Values Project
- 2nd Place – Project Echo
- 3rd Place – Advancement of Rights for Children
- Best Manifesto Award: Temitope Damilola Oyewusi
The Life of Impact Award honoured Imam Muhammad Nurain Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Center, for their peacebuilding efforts, and Mrs. Ngizan Chahul, President of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), for her advocacy in women’s empowerment and grassroots development.
“Be Lions in the Darkness”
In his closing charge, Mr. Frank Nweke II invoked Plato’s warning: “A community suffers nothing terrible if its cobblers are degenerate, but if its legislators are, it is ruined.”
He urged the graduates to be “lions in the darkness,” resisting corruption and leading with integrity.
Dean of the Class of 2025, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, reaffirmed the graduates’ commitment to putting policy at the heart of governance.
The event concluded with the national anthem and a symbolic balloon release, signifying the pledge of 262 new leaders to build a better Africa.