By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Romeo Aloaye Omoike, has called on politicians and other leaders to make personal development and continuous learning a priority, stressing that meaningful transformation in society begins with the individual.
Omoike made the call shortly after graduating from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, where he underscored the critical role of education and knowledge acquisition in effective leadership and nation-building.
He noted that leaders who aspire to make a lasting impact must first invest in themselves through education, self-improvement and the continuous acquisition of relevant knowledge.
According to him, personal growth is the foundation upon which meaningful societal development is built, as individuals cannot effectively transform their communities without first equipping themselves with the knowledge, skills and capacity required to lead and serve.
He urged politicians, public office holders and other leaders to embrace lifelong learning, saying the acquisition of knowledge remains indispensable to anyone who seeks to become useful to society and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
Omoike further stressed that leadership should go beyond the pursuit of political office, but must be anchored on competence, character, intellectual development and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of the people.
He described his graduation as both a personal milestone and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership, pledging to continue seeking knowledge and improving his capacity to serve the people of Etsako West effectively.
Omoike noted that learning does not end in the classroom, stressing that human relationships, travelling and exposure to different environments also play significant roles in broadening one’s knowledge and understanding.
The local government chairman said his experiences and exposure have helped shape his outlook and would enable him to contribute more meaningfully to his immediate environment.
Speaking on the role of politicians in societal development, he urged his colleagues to first develop themselves before seeking to develop their communities.
“The only way we can give meaningful development to society, first of all, is to develop ourselves,” he said.
He added that leaders must acquire knowledge, experience and exposure because “you cannot give out what you don’t have.”
He explained that exposure to developments and best practices in other places could help politicians introduce positive changes in their own communities.
“When you have the knowledge, you have the experience, you have the exposure, so whatever we see outside, we now want to bring it to our immediate environment,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising that learning should be a lifelong process.
The council chairman thanked friends and well-wishers including family members for standing by him while his academic started and ended up in praises.
On the parts of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. John Aroye Okhuoya and the acting Registrar, Osasuyi Ogbeide, they commended Omoike humility and willingness to submit himself to learning irrespective of his social status just as the duo encouraged us to emulate him noting that there is no limitations to learning.
