My enriching recent visit to Babcock University -PO

My enriching recent visit to Babcock University for their 10th BIMUN Conference, with His Excellency Mr Peter Obi.  
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‎My journey began in Lagos on Sunday, leading me to the university’s campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, for this significant event. The conference, aptly themed “Better Together: A Decade of BIMUN Advancing the United Nations’ Vision for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” marked a milestone for the organisation.
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‎Upon our arrival, Mr Peter Obi was met with a warm and impressive welcome from the university’s leadership, faculty, and students, reflecting the considerable enthusiasm his presence generated.
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‎The visit commenced with formal introductions at the President and Vice-Chancellor’s office, where Mr Obi received a cordial reception from the university’s senior figures. The President of Babcock University spoke highly of His Excellency’s distinguished public service career, particularly his impactful tenure as Governor of Anambra State. He articulated that Mr Obi embodies the leadership qualities Nigerians aspire to see at the helm of the nation. Addressing an assembly of aspiring leaders, the President underscored that Mr Obi’s life, characterised by integrity, fiscal responsibility, and a dedication to nurturing human potential, offers a valuable model for Nigerian youth.
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‎The Vice-Chancellor specifically lauded Mr Obi’s transformative influence on Anambra State’s education sector. He recalled how the state ascended from 26th to become the foremost in educational ranking across Nigeria, a testament to strategic investments and effective policies. Expressing profound admiration for Mr Obi’s leadership approach, the Vice-Chancellor even lightheartedly wished he could retain him at the university permanently. With his characteristic humility, Mr Peter Obi responded with a smile, acknowledging the visit as a brief engagement and promising a future return for a more extended period with the university community.
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‎Following these initial engagements, His Excellency was given a tour of select university facilities before proceeding to the main auditorium for the 10th BIMUN conference.
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‎The conference itself drew over 400 student delegates from 21 different countries, creating a remarkably diverse forum for young individuals dedicated to diplomacy, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and the advancement of human rights.
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‎During the main session, Mr Peter Obi delivered a concise yet powerful keynote address. He urged the students to view leadership as a profound responsibility grounded in competence, integrity, accountability, and service to humanity. He encouraged them to embrace education, innovation, and ethical governance as the cornerstones for strengthening institutions and fostering a more peaceful and prosperous global society.
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‎A particularly engaging aspect of the event was the subsequent question-and-answer segment. Students from various nations posed insightful questions on leadership, governance, economic progress, education, youth engagement, and international cooperation. Mr Obi provided practical responses drawing from his extensive public service experience, emphasising that sustainable national advancement hinges on leaders prioritising investment in their populace through quality education, accessible healthcare, and sound economic strategies.
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‎Throughout the proceedings, the students’ palpable enthusiasm was evident. Their interactions with His Excellency highlighted a growing interest among young people in leadership and governance models that are transparent, accountable, and service-oriented.
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‎This visit to Babcock University served to reaffirm the critical importance of involving young minds in discussions about leadership and national development. It also underscored the university’s dedication to cultivating globally minded graduates equipped to make significant contributions to peace, development, and human rights.
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‎As we departed, it was clear that the exchange had left a significant impact on all present. The warm reception, the depth of the discussions, and the students’ vibrant energy collectively affirmed a crucial truth: when young people are inspired by exemplary leadership and instilled with the right values, the realisation of a better society becomes increasingly attainable.
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‎In essence, the conference’s theme, “Better Together,” was vividly embodied through meaningful dialogue, shared aspirations, and a unified commitment to forging a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future.
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‎A New Nigeria is Possible