Those seeking leadership must bridle their tongue -Gabriel Ojo Alonge

IKARE-AKOKO, Ondo, Nigeria – An erstwhile Director of Procurement at the headquarters of National Youth Service Corps, Chief (Evang.) Gabriel Ojo Alonge has said that the hallmark of great leaders is found in few spoken words.

To give effect to this outstanding and distinguishing characteristic, those aspiring to attain leadership positions in all spheres of life must learn to bridle their tongues.

Chief Alonge made this disclosure today during the motivational lecture he delivered to 2021 Batch ‘B’ (Stream II) corps members deployed to Ondo State. The 1997 NYSC Staff Merit Award winner in the Inspectorate cadre said that the corps members who people are looking up to as a mirror should not be seen making inflammatory, uncouth or unguarded statement about happenings in the society.

“The mission statement of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is to promote unity and integration among the various constituents that made up the country and it would be totally embarrassing, if you as corps members, rather than speak words that will promote our oneness, you are making unfounded statement that can further divide us”.

“NYSC was established after the civil war to correct some of the ills of the society such as misconceptions, mistrust, ethnic loyalty, distraught, religious animosity and the rest and you can only justify confidence reposed in you by working towards deepening the much sought after integration”.

The retired Director who once served as State Coordinator between 2003 and 2006 in Abia and Plateau states respectively wanted the corps members to have positive disposition towards all human endeavours and leave a remarkable legacy at their host communities.

“My dear children in the national service, your life should be tailored towards positivity in all human ramifications, and by so doing, you will achieve all your heart desires effortlessly while people will rely on you to solve their challenges and trust your judgment”.

The Iyamoye, Kogi State indigene who won the State Honours Award during the 1980/81 service year in Borno State called on the members of the service corps to be determined and embrace discipline as their watchword.

“You must be disciplined and determined if you want to succeed in life as the pathway of successful ones is strewn with thorns. Do not be wayward and always remember that you are a pride to your respective families, NYSC Scheme and the nation as a whole”.

“NYSC Scheme in her pragmatic approach to reduce the high rate of unemployment has come up with a novel intervention known as Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme established in 2012, you will be better armed with various skills and vocations if you key into the programme” he said.

Alonge, who is a recipient of several honours and awards both inside and outside the country appealed to the graduate youths to eschew dubious ways of getting to the top but should persevere and be honest so that their journey to the top would be remarkable.

The one time Area Coordinator for North East and North Central zones between 2010 and 2012 charged the corps members to draw nearer unto God by constantly, continuously and frequently wrestle alone in prayers as this is the only key to breakthrough and peaceful living.

The State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani while welcoming the senior citizen to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko admonishing the corps members to avail themselves with the knowledge that the motivational guest would give. Mrs. Ani thanked him for always willing to share his personal life experience with younger generations.