The Imo state government has urged students in secondary schools to live up to expectation by imbibing leadership qualities that are legacy driven.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere made this call in Owerri the Imo state capital southeast Nigeria during the inauguration of the new executive members of the National Union of Imo State Students (NUISS).
Delivering a lecture with the theme “Dare to be Different”, the Deputy Governor warned student leaders against making the mistakes of some of their predecessors who preferred momentary gains to leaving a legacy that will see them through in life.
He advised them to eschew decadence and embrace leadership qualities of vision, sacrifice, team spirit, hardwork and leaving good legacies for posterity sake.
“Great leaders never lose sight of their goal. Leadership begins with vision and end with mobilizing the people to reaching a goal of greatness.
“So, leadership is not a selfish engagement, and never a vocation for the greed. You are only sacrificing your time, energy and your intellect with a view to bringing desired positive change in the psyche of the people you lead”.
He urged them to emulate role models like Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state who chose to work and sacrifice for a brighter future for the present younger generation of Imo State through his free education policy and other people-oriented policies.
Mr Madumere warned the students against cyber-crime and unrestrained release of immoral photos, videos and other materials, the practice he said might be counterproductive and limiting to them in the future.
Speaking earlier, the Patron of the National Union of Imo State Students and Chief of Staff to the Imo state government, Uche Nwosu, advised the newly elected leaders to be of good behavior and law abiding assuring them of government support while their tenure lasts.
Responding on behalf of his executive members and the legislative arm of the body, the new President of NUISS, Nzeh Franklin, promised to defend the constitution of the student body and live up to the expectation of the watching public by their good conduct and performance.