The ninety-eight(98) year old Citadel of Learning in Miami Florida played host to Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and other legislators from Africa, led by the Speaker Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as they attended the Executive Leadership Development Program at the University of Miami Herbert Business School.
The renowned Donna Shalala, former member of the U.S Parliament, former U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services under the administration of President Bill Clinton and the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented the discussion on the Core principles of Good governance, Advancing the public good and delivering value to the communities as well as measuring the effect of legislative policies and programs at the constituency level and what positive impact looks like.
The intersection of political and economic forces in real world as well as the macro economics outlook and trends in the world with emphasis on Africa and U.S was handled by Miguel Iraola, PhD. Stephen Cerrone, PhD also presented the session on leadership vs management, looking at the best practices in leadership as well as building a high performing team among others.
The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Senator Fatuma Dullo from Kenya Senate Chief Whip, presented on the challenges facing African legislators while proposing that best practices must be home grown to address unique realities faced by constituents and legislators daily.
Rep. Benjamin Kalu, member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State who also won the price for the best participant, which was presented by the revered Donna Shalala while speaking on his experience so far at the program had this to say;
”we keep comparing notes and learning how to continuously render the best services to Bende people, Abia State and Nigeria at large. I am just preparing to deliver better than I did with this mandate when elected again, we have completed the program and it was resourceful“.
