Amb.(Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe delivering his address at the ceremony
By Cynthia Eruotor
The Founding Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, school of leadership, Amb.(Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe said the institution would continue to realize its mandate of tackling global issues of leadership in reference to governance and entrepreneurship and bring true leadership in nation’s governance in spite of enormous challenges. Amb. (Pastor) Egedegbe stated this over the weekend at the 7th graduation and 8th matriculation ceremony of the Value Rebirth Centre LSD Leadership School, Delta State Study Centre which is organized in partnership with African Centre for Leadership,Strategy and Development, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung,and Shamar Educational Foundation.
According to him, the leadership school which he said, first of its kind in South-South (Niger Delta Region) came into existence on 10th June, 2017 with the vision to train leaders and unravel the complexity of besetting leadership in Nigeria and bring about framework to churn out focus driven leaders that would ignite the paradigm shift in leadership development in the country. His words:” On a firmer and border note, the school is instituted to tackle global issues of leadership pertaining to governance and entrepreneurship and bring true leadership to bear on our governance and community system. The leadership and entrepreneurship training is conceptualized to equip prospective leaders and entrepreneurs with top-notch skills and knowledge to address the recurring leadership challenges bedeviling this country”.
Amb. (Pastor) Egedegbe who said Value Rebirth and empowement Initiative is non -governmental and non- partisan one established in 2014 according to Nigerian Law with the mandate to building “Old waste places”, “raise (up)” foundation for many generations, repair the breach and restore the paths through sustained engagement and advocacy. His words:”Our vision is a Nigerian society with value driven citizens and institutions for sustainable peace and development;mission is to build citizens’ capacity, value re-orientation monitoring and work through networks to ensure probity,and accountability in governance and society. Values include: diligence, dedication, determination, excellence and service to humanity…”
Amb. (Pastor) Egedegbe who said, he was inspired by God Almighty to establish Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative in June 2014, said, he thanked God for His grace upon the organization for the positive impact it has made on the lives of Nigerians over the years. His words: “With my heart filled with unquestionable joy, l reverently appreciate God for His grace upon the organization and sustaining its existence for ten years with accompanying immeasurable positive impact..
According to Amb(Pastor) Egedegbe, the leadership school is a tuition free institution and holds its graduation/matriculation ceremony in August every year. He said in May 2018, the Centre graduated a total of 51 students; in 2029, 53 students; in 2020, 78 students; in 2021, 76 students; in 2022, 101 students; in 2023, 156 students and today, 2024, the institution has graduated 133 students at its 7th graduation ceremony which makes a total of 648 Strategic Leaders and Entrepreneurs the institution has graduated just he said, over 200 students would be matriculating for eighth set of 2024/2025 academic session. He therefore used the medium to call on those who are yet to identify with organization in this regard to do so without delay.
He said while the grace of God abides in running the programme tuition free, he said, the leadership of the institution is taking steps to widen the opportunities for partnership and sponsorship to meet the rising demands as the Management plans to run online soon to reach out to more interested persons from within and outside the immediate environment. He appealed for support from corporate organization, governments, well meaning individuals and public and private organizations to sustain the programme in this regard.
While Amb. (Pastor) Egedegbe wished the graduating students well in their endeavors, he welcomed the matriculating students to the institution, advising them to make good use of the opportunity to acquire the required knowledge in the programme. His words: “I therefore encourage you to be active in all the sessions and discussions so as to maximize the opportunities and the benefits this training holds and offers.As a people, we should understand that whereas schooling is periodic, learning is for life time, you learn, unlearn and relearn..”
Amb. (Pastor) Egedegbe used the opportunity to thank those persons who have helped in one way or the other for the success of the organization since its inception. They include: Dcns Joy Egedegbe, Itule Oghenetega, Comr.Israel Arigbe, Mrs Stella Odika, Mrs Ayo Nerfetiti Okotie, Success Osharekurhe, Pastor Femi Adebayo, Mrs Esther Adesanya, Mrs Walker Blessing, Chief Emmanuel Eyela, Dcn Mike Okoro and his daughter, Miss Egedegbe Goodnews.
The programme which its theme is:” Leadership, Family Management and Nation Building was chaired by Dr Ambakerederimo Joseph and Guest Speaker, Professor Enajite Ojaruega, climaxed with the administration of matriculation oath on the new students, among others.