Report on the Democratic Leadership Training Workshop 2005

  By Alu Ikpah, alu_mcikpa@yahoo.com, 08059789231  

On the 28th November to the 2nd day of December, I was at the African Leadership Forum’s Democratic Leadership Training Workshop 2005.An experience I have best described as an unlearning process. I got to know about the workshop from ATE U TIV, a Tiv yahoo group where Mr. Vitalis Ortese announced for legible young Tiv sons and daughters.

Though skeptical I gambled my way to Otta, the venue of the workshop. And my first shock was the objectivity and detailed nature of all the speakers.   Five days of the workshop in Otta were memorable for several reasons, ranging from professional, national and personal.  

As a media practitioner, developing programme content for youth programmes, nationally, I was equipped beyond appraisal. All the lectures came in handy and placed me on the ‘balcony of life’ where my horizon widened, positioning me to be more fruitful in my work with young Nigerians.  

I also had a bubble bursting experience of my life long concept of leadership which I learnt was an activity and not just a position of supremacy.   Very prickly though was a session on ICT-Information Communication Technology where I learnt about its energy and corresponding dividends as a leadership tool worldwide.   I doubtlessly walked away a brand new woman and have since begun to realize all that I learnt, in my delicate life and work.   I made an unbelievable network with the participants and have since positioned my self as leader from today not just a leader of tomorrow.  

My gratitude goes to TIP-Tiv Internet Project who took care of my transportation from Abuja, there by enabling me this opportunity of a life time. You are a facsimile of all I learnt from this workshop.