NGO Trains Directors, Board Members on Leadership, Governance

The Young Leaders Network, in collaboration with Search for Common Ground, has organized a technical capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening organizational leadership and governance practices among non-profit leaders.

The training, held for executive directors and board members from 22 organizations, is designed to improve leadership standards and enhance the effectiveness of participating institutions.

Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Director of Young Leaders Network, Mr. Seun Justin Onanude, said the program was informed by a technical organizational capacity assessment conducted over the past year for 44 participants representing various organizations.

According to Onanude, the assessment helped identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within the organizations, making it clear that there was a need to strengthen their governance and institutional capacity.

He expressed optimism that the workshop would help participating leaders develop high-performing teams, implement effective appraisal systems, and build a productive organizational culture required for sustainable development.

“The appraisal systems will help measure progress and identify areas for improvement, while a strong organizational culture ensures professionalism within organizations,” he said.

Bashir Usman, Program Officer at Taimako Community Development Initiative, described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that the facilitators engaged all participants and provided valuable insights into organizational leadership.

“There is still a lot to be done to address existing challenges, but the training has given us tools to begin that journey,” Usman added.

Chinelo Emmanuel, Executive Director of Tamani for Women and Youth Development Initiative, commended the organizers for facilitating impactful knowledge-sharing initiatives, describing the workshop as a significant step toward organizational transformation.

“I have gained a deeper understanding of leadership, especially regarding the Law of Empowerment, and I am eager to apply what I have learned within my organization,” she said.

Similarly, Dung Venant, Executive Director of Partnars Global Initiative, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that her expectations were met from the first day of the training.

She emphasized the need for leaders to see themselves as servants and to prioritize personal development to maintain effective governance and positive staff relationships, even in challenging situations.

The 22 participating organizations were selected through a mapping process that assessed their thematic focus, passion, and track records, ensuring the training reached organizations with the potential to drive impactful change in their communities.