Bowen experienced a unique and ground-breaking weekend with the commencement of the Leadership Exploration and Development Conference (LEAD). The conference was hosted by the Faculty of Law, Departments of Accounting, Mass communication and Economics. All roads led to Chris Alabi lecture Theatre (CALT) on the 12^th of October, 2018. It was one of the biggest events Bowen would ever experience in 2018. Notable speakers were invited to headline the show. The event centre was ignited with intelligent minds when the programme commenced.

The floor was opened by Ayansola Oluwaseun SAGE at a few minutes past 11; a first class law graduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. Martins Michael; president of department of Economics gave a brief exposure on what Lead conference is all about. He further made it known that the idea was conceived around April, 2018.

The Bowen Vice chancellor’s presence was duly recognised and represented by the Dean of Agricultural Science; Dr. Aderemi. Numerous speakers were called out to impact values in the delegates present during the course of the two days programme. Yomi Ojute who is the founder of ‘The leadership factory’ spoke on issues concerning time and life management. Interest was drawn mainly to the time management matrix.

One of the most interesting moments from the morning session was when the speaker, Gabriel Osigbeme called volunteers out and gave them limited seconds to sell out themselves. This exercise was used to educate the audience on the essence of proving one’s quality when given limited time in an interview. A telepathic feel of Jazz music was followed by Daniel Jazz. The 2018 Bowen Got Talent winner performed gracefully with his saxophone with instrumental accompaniment with songs like R kelly’s ‘I believe I can fly’ and Davido’s ‘Nwa Baby’.

Presidential Aspirant; Fela Durotoye was represented by a seasoned speaker and entrepreneur; Jimi Tewe. The audience were intrigued with his eloquent use of storytelling to teach morals. He used the opportunity given to him to make everyone understand the cogent reason why Fela Durotoye was not around. One of the most amazing highlights was the core values set to make greatness. In his interview with mywovenwords, he states that strongly believes,  ‘’Life is fair. Life is either a buffet or a cafeteria. You eat what it serves you or you eat what you want. I know what I want and I eat it. I like buffet’’.

Jimi tewe and “My Woven Words” team members

Day 2 of the conference built greater momentum with Bowen’s very own graduate, John Jerry Enoch anchoring the event and astute Bowen lecturer, Abel Akintunde talking on character in leadership.

Essence of political participation for young Nigerian youths was drawn by Ayomide Akinyemi; a graduate of OAU who has been actively involved in Nigerian politics even as an undergraduate.

Olorunwa Arubina graced the podium to talk briefly about her new book. Her story-telling was derived from the book to teach life matters to the audience in which she was given remarkable applause.

Adepeju Jaiyeoba and “My Woven Words” team members

Adepeju Jaiyeoba has been recognised by the President of USA for her works in healthcare provision for women in rural areas around the world. Her sense of humour and lucid expression drew the audience especially the ladies in the hall. Bidemi Zakariyau further continued in this energy with her refined use of words. Bidemi used her meticulous story to describe how one can identify his passion and make a career out of it.

Adepeju Jaiyeoba and Former president Barack Obama

One of the most outstanding speakers for the day is no stranger to Bowen students as a lecturer, Administrative officer and Orator. He is currently the Deputy Dean (Male), Student Affairs; Dr. Adebola Aderibigbe. He was straight about maintaining balancing in student’s life. He was the most dramatic speaker in the conference and he was able to capture every student’s mind present because of his experience as a life coach among students.

Honourary awards were given to every speaker present with smiles on the organisers and speaker’s face. The two days event was brought to an end with the final address from the department Presidents involved.

Bowen has experienced a lifetime achievement conference and there is a hope for continuity. LEAD conference 2.0 might come your way again soon.

By Ogunleye Oluwakorede

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Ogunleye Oluwakorede writes majorly on entertainment, history and socio-economic matters. He has previously released works like album reviews and content information. He is also a music critic and analyst particularly on Nigerian music entertainment.

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