By JOSHUA OLOMU

Justice Cheryl Grant, renowned U.S. jurist and global leadership advocate, has urged Nigerian government at all levels to confront corruption and embrace transformative leadership in order to rebuild trust with citizens.

She made the call at the 2025 Leadership Public Lecture, Excellence Awards, and Appeal Fund for the Educational Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Children in Benue held in Abuja on Friday.

The event was organised by the Leadership Institute Nigeria in collaboration with the African Leadership Institute U.S. with the theme: “Africa at the Crossroads: Redefining Leadership for Global Relevance.”

It brought together human rights advocates, leaders from different sectors and members of the diplomatic community.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s position in Africa and the world, Grant urged the nation to embrace its role as a leader in the continent and beyond.

“Nigeria is not only a giant of Africa, but it also holds the key to unlocking the future of the global Black community.

“Leadership is about taking followers to places they do not necessarily want to go, but where they need to be.

“Leaders must have faith in God, in their country, and in their abilities to nurture hope in times of trouble and fear,” she said.

She urged citizens to ride the “train of development,” rooted in faith, hope, and courage, and to confront corruption with determination.

According to her, there is need for Nigerian leaders to embrace integrity, development, and the principles of inclusion and equity, arguing that strong leadership could position Nigeria as a model for the global Black community

“Nigeria is not alone in this struggle, Corruption exists elsewhere, but it should not breed hopelessness,” she affirmed.”

According to her, leadership at all levels should prioritise humanity, mutual respect, and community well-being, stressing that authentic leaders uplift others and foster collective growth.

Justice Grant also addressed the cultural dynamics between Black Americans and Africans, noting the differences in experiences, perspectives, and communication, yet stressing the potential for collaboration.

“Imagine if we came together to build businesses, influence policy, and shape our youth with a shared vision; the possibilities are monumental,” she said.

She commended the President of the Leadership Institute Nigeria, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher for organising the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak in her ancestral homeland.

Earlier, Hagher emphasised the urgent need to prioritise the education and development of Nigeria’s children, warning that neglecting them risks creating a generation of trauma, violence, and despair.

According to him, education is critical for fostering empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility.

He decried the country’s high number of out-of-school children and those suffering in IDP camps, particularly in Benue, where hundreds of thousands face malnutrition and insecurity.

Hagher criticised the current leadership for complacency and called on Nigerian leaders, both in government and the private sector, to take responsibility for shaping a purposeful future.

“They seek to divide us along ethnic and religious lines and along class.

“Particularly worrisome for me and people in the Leadership Institute is the way in which the children of Nigeria are not being prepared to be the next great generation”, he said.

Hagher also announced the Institute’s plan to provide alternative, accelerated education for displaced children using innovative methods such as mobile schools and technology-enabled learning.

He said Benue would serve as a pilot template to reach vulnerable children nationwide. (NAN)

• PHOTO: Justice Cheryl Grant, renowned U.S. jurist(L) and a stakeholder at the 2025 Leadership Public Lecture, Excellence Awards, and Appeal Fund for the Educational Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Children in Benue State held in Abuja