President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has called on young Nigerians to position themselves as promoters of effective and visionary leadership, stressing that meaningful national development can only thrive in an environment of transformational leadership.

Dr. Neliaku gave the charge in Abuja while delivering a lecture at the 4th Cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), a leadership development programme founded by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Speaking on the topic, “Effective Public Sector Leadership: Tools, Styles & Public Relations Techniques”, the NIPR President noted that Nigeria’s public service has not met expectations to drive a robust development. He challenged participants to be the vanguard of the paradigm shift critical to restore credibility and efficiency.

Dr. Neliaku urged Nigerian youths not to be caught up in the negative narratives but to commit themselves to changing the perception through integrity, innovation, and patriotism.

“If God gives you the opportunity to serve this country in the public service, you should be one of those to fight for the rebirth of the system. You should be the change our country needs,” he advised.

He also commended the leadership of the LMI for the resources committed towards grooming credible young leaders who will build a new Nigeria that every citizen will be proud of.