MONROVIA – Abubakar C. Jalloh has a vision of an inclusive Africa, where emerging leaders in the continent will have a fair shot at greatness.
By Danesius Marteh, [email protected]
Jalloh, until recently, never participated in any political activity and a shot at political leadership eluded him.
But he was elected president of the Young Political Leadership School of Africa (YPLSA) along with Leslie Noel Jones of Sierra Leone as first vice president, Ifeanyi Matthew Dunkwu of Nigeria as second vice president and Liberia’s Rappunzeal T. G. Olatunji and Ruth S. Nimene as secretary-general and financial secretary respectively on 16 August.
Jac, as he is affectionately called, has been working in the entertainment industry by organizing several gigs and worked as a social media league manager at the Liberia Football Association.
His passion for fashion led him to open the ‘Too Easy’ clothing brand that is popular in Liberia.
Jac believes leadership should transcend politics and it is time to recognize that the YPLSA should not be exclusively for politicians.
“By creating an YPLSA where every leader has a chance, we are laying the foundation for an Africa led by true leaders, each with God-given gifts, ready to make our continent a great place for all of us.
“Furthermore, we aim to build a very strong and successful alumni association where the work of alumni can be celebrated individually and collectively, where funding can be provided to expand ideas and their stories are told to the entire world,” he said.
The YPLSA is a program that contributes to the formation of a new generation of character-driven political and socially active leaders that would be accountable, responsive and accessible to the needs and interests of their citizens and help to shape the future of their respective countries in the positive direction.
It has a membership of 11 countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.
Every year, fellows engage in a series of theoretical and interactive exercises to develop their knowledge and skills to play greater leadership roles in political affairs, including in leadership, elections and governance.
Naymote organized the YPLSA’s 11-Cohort, a weeklong professional development training where fellows enhance their skills in planning, organizing, and implementing political campaign events, strengthen their leadership, management, communication and networking skills.
And Jac has taken a first step on his leadership journey of a thousand miles.
“I have an appreciable knowledge about everything associated with governance and politics.
“But I am interested in learning about leadership void of politics to be able to grow my brand. I want to run an effective clothing brand using my leadership skills,” he concluded.
All eyes will be on Jac and his team when they are inaugurated in September.
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