By Mahmud Seidu Babatunde

When I embarked on this journey last year, it often felt like an impossible dream. I’ve always been a leader with a passion for making a difference and going beyond the ordinary.

Over the years, Prime Leadership Business Schools and Toyin Aluko have been signature events for JCIN Yabatech. However, despite the fantastic leaders who came before us, all efforts to ensure PLBS was done were abortive. When myself and my team took the mantle of leadership in 2022, we knew we had a lot to revamp and we tried to put measures in place. It was clear that previous administrations had intentions to execute the Prime Leadership Business School project, but due to various reasons, their efforts were often thwarted.

As the 2022 Executive Vice President elected, I made a deliberate commitment to not just undertake any project but to revive our legacy and ensure the Prime project regained its recognition. With the grace of GOD and an incredible team, we laid out plans, fine-tuned our strategies, sought counsel, and, of course, faced our share of challenges. Nonetheless, I remained steadfast in my mission, using those obstacles as stepping stones to reach our goals.

Fast forward to the second quarter of this year, where the 2022 Prime Leadership Business Summit was awarded as the BEST Leadership program at the JCI Nigeria Southern Conference. I was truly overwhelmed.

As a leader, I firmly believe that the reward for good work is more work. I understand that PLBS 2022 can’t be a success unless it’s sustained. Few months ago, a very good friend of mine who also doubled up to be my successor, in the person of Kadiri-Lawal Zainab, reached out to me some months ago to discuss her intent for continuity. It was an honor to be part of the team once again as a player. She appointed me to serve as the 2023 Assistant Project Chairperson and the business moderator for the panel session.

In 2022, we hosted a summit, but this year, the team has taken it up a notch, bringing back the project’s renowned intensive 3-day leadership and business school. At the end of the program, the best among them were certified, and a few got the 6 months mentorship slots.

I must express my heartfelt appreciation to the 2023 JCI Nigeria Yaba College of Technology President for his outstanding leadership in ensuring the project’s sustainability. I also extend my gratitude to the entire 2023 PLBS committee for their tireless dedication, and if leadership were a person, you all are meant to be study. You all are the BEST!

Special recognition goes to a warrior, a resilient individual, and a transformational leader, Kadiri-Lawal Zainab. Your unwavering determination not only to chair the project but to ensure its resounding success is truly remarkable. Zainab, you are not just a leader, you are a warrior! Keep being your amazing self, and I look forward to a lot we will be doing together!

Thank you JCIN Yabatech, for your continuous nurturing of sustainable leaders.

In conclusion, my heartfelt plea to the 2024 Prime team, Embrace the challenge with unwavering determination and commitment to ensure that the legacy of Prime Leadership Business School continues to shine brightly.

Best regards,
Mahmud Seidu Babatunde
2023 Director of Programs and Projects / 2023 Assistant PLBS Chairperson