Waziri Adio urges Kashim Ibrahim fellows to lead with integrity

Waziri Adio, former executive secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has urged Kashim Ibrahim fellows to lead with integrity. 

The Kaduna state government had initiated the Kashim Ibrahim fellowship programme to nurture future leaders.

The programme is named after the minister of social services in the 1950s.

The fellowship, a one-year programme, is opened to youths across the country.

Adio, who was introduced by Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, to the fellows, shared his life experiences with them.

He also urged the fellows to embrace additional knowledge that will stand them out in their areas of focus.

“Today, Fellows had an intensive Speaker Series Session with Waziri Adio, a renowned journalist, policy strategist and former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). H.E Malam Nasir El-Rufai @GovKaduna briefly introduced his co-ASPEN and Harvard Kennedy School Fellow and friend, Mr. Adio to the Fellows, encouraging them to keep an open mind and learn from the session,” the government tweeted on Wednesday.

“Mr Adio shared insights into his upbringing, drawing lessons and values that shaped his formative years. He noted how his parents valued education and gave their children better opportunities to thrive.

“He also highlighted instructive lessons on how Fellows could ‘lead for impact with integrity’. One key lesson was the need to invest in technical knowledge, credibility and confidence even before the opportunity to prove oneself was available.

“Mr Adio encouraged Fellows to be firm but flexible, knowing when to insist or concede. He emphasised the importance of having clear values and setting boundaries whilst keeping a support system that could hold one to account without prejudices.

“Waziri genially responded to all questions raised by Fellows with real life scenarios where applicable. Fellows thanked him for spending quality time with KIF.”

Adio bowed out of NEITI in February, after five years in office.