• Leadership experts task residents with responsibility for Rivers’ future

The Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, has urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and elect leaders with a proven record of service ahead of the 2027 general elections.
 
He warned that the nation’s challenges stem largely from a deficit of genuine leadership.
 
Abioye spoke yesterday at the Leadership Renaissance Forum, themed “Reimagining Leadership for National Development,” which brought together stakeholders committed to inspiring transformative thinking and catalysing purpose-driven leadership across Nigeria and Africa.
 
Addressing journalists on the qualities Nigerians should consider when choosing leaders in 2027, the cleric said many people mistakenly equate political office with leadership, noting that occupying a position does not automatically make one a leader.
 
According to him, the misconception has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s governance challenges, as many office seekers are motivated by personal ambition rather than a desire to serve the people.

Meanwhile, former presidential aspirant and leadership coach, Fela Durotoye, entrepreneur and leadership advocate, My-Ace China, and leadership strategist, Dr Brian Rueben, have urged Rivers residents not to sit back and wait for politicians to transform the state, but to take responsibility for its future.
 
The trio maintained that Rivers State’s greatest asset is not its crude oil wealth or its politicians, but the potential of its people, urging residents, particularly young people, to embrace leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship as catalysts for development.
 
They spoke yesterday at the Strategic Elevation Conference 2026, a leadership and personal development summit held in Port Harcourt. The conference, organised by Dr Rueben and co-sponsored by My-Ace China, attracted over 250 entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners, and youths.
 
Speaking on the theme of the conference, Rueben said that Rivers people must stop looking to politicians or a “messiah” for the state’s transformation and instead become active participants in shaping its future.
 
He said: “We will not fold our arms and wait for someone else to showcase Rivers State to the world. We will take responsibility for building the Rivers we desire. Those who fail to do so risk being left behind.”
 
Rueben explained that the conference was designed to help participants rethink their perspectives and strategically position themselves for greater success.

According to him, many individuals and organisations fail to maximise opportunities, not because opportunities are lacking, but because they approach life and business from the wrong perspective.