Centre for Information Technology And Development Activity Tracker
| What is the Project Name | Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) 2026 |
| What is the Location/Venue | National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kubwa Study Centre, GSS Kubwa Phase 4, Abuja |
| What is the Activity Title | ILERIS Session with Comrade Rita Goyit on Leadership, Accountability, Youth Participation in Governance, and Women’s Involvement in Public Life |
| Which Date(s)/Duration was it conducted | Saturday, 14th March 2026 (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) |
| Who are the Resource Person(s) ,designation and Contact Number | Comrade Rita Goyit, Head of Women and Youth, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) |
| What is the Total Number of Participants | 250 |
| Segregation
(total number of male, female and PWDs) |
Male = 100
Female=150 PWDs =3 |
| Report Compiled by who | Yesmin Salako, Programme Officer, CITAD |
| Financial Report
(Did you submit all financial documents with regards to your activity?) |
N/A |
| Evaluation report of activity (pre and post survey) | N/A |
| Activity Report
(detailed report of activity) |
The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS), organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), continued its March edition with an impactful session at the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kubwa Study Centre on Saturday, 14th March 2026. This edition focused on leadership, accountability, youth participation in governance, and women’s involvement in public life. The programme maintained a highly interactive and mentorship-driven atmosphere.
The session commenced with the recitation of the National Anthem. A warm welcome address was delivered by the Centre Manager, NTI Kubwa Study Centre, Mr. Barde Yusuf, who appreciated CITAD for bringing this inspiring platform to the institute. Mrs. Yesmin Salako Ejiwumi, CITAD Abuja Team Lead, introduced the ILERIS programme and its purpose. She welcomed participants on behalf of CITAD’s Executive Director and staff, thanked the NTI management for the partnership, and explained that ILERIS aims to connect young people with accomplished mentors who share real-life stories of challenges, resilience, and practical pathways to success. After a formal introduction, Comrade Rita Goyit, Head of Women and Youth at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), engaged the students drawing from her rich experience as a trade unionist, women’s rights advocate, and lifelong fighter for social justice, she shared powerful personal reflections. Key quotes from her presentation include: – “Every human is a political animal……I’m not in partisan politics but I’m a politician for women, youth and vulnerable. ……. I engage politicians and engage policies at different levels……” – “We must make sure that we have a better tomorrow… We must put in our little effort. Don’t be scared by the challenges, be driven by your passion and conviction.” – “Life is a struggle. As women, it was not easy. As women, they call us all kinds of names…. But for me (I was determined), it is forward ever and backward never. In fact, it is not always rosy…” – “If you want to be something in life you must have passion for it, so that you will pursue it with conviction…. You must also have role models; people that you look up to. My role models were Winnie Mandela, Mother Theresa and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba….” – “I hate injustice anywhere. They used to call me a pocket lawyer. As a young lady I used to report injustice……” Her session emphasized the importance of passion, conviction, role models, resilience in the face of gender-based challenges, and active engagement in policies that affect women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The audience engaged actively with the speaker through questions and reflections. Participants sought advice on youth involvement in governance, overcoming societal barriers as young women, and balancing passion with practical activism. One participant, Esther shared that she wants to be like the speaker and become an activist in the future. She expressed her desire for more knowledge and guidance on how to become an activist. Another participant, Mr. Anthony, stated that he has learnt a lot from the session and will teach his sisters and wife on the knowledge gained, especially on promoting women’s rights. The session concluded with group photographs, presentation of CITAD publications to the guest speaker, and a vote of thanks by the organizing committee. Closing remarks were delivered by Mathias Ojoma Nicodemus, who expressed appreciation to Comrade Rita Goyit, the NTI management, and all participants for making the event a success. |
| Feedback and recommendations | Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants describing the session as “inspiring,” “practical,” and “motivating.” Attendees particularly appreciated the speaker’s candid sharing of her struggles as a woman in the labour movement and her unwavering commitment to justice. Social media posts by CITAD and participants captured the energy of the event through photographs and highlights from the speaker’s address.
Recommendations include continued organization of such mentorship sessions to equip more young people with practical leadership skills. |
| Outcomes | The ILERIS session at the National Teachers’ Institute, Kubwa, successfully fulfilled its objective of inspiring and mentoring young people through direct interaction with a distinguished leader in the labour and women’s rights movement. The programme reinforced CITAD’s commitment to youth empowerment, civic education, and leadership development in Nigeria. This edition set a strong foundation for subsequent sessions in 2026. Participants like Esther and Mr. Anthony demonstrated personal commitment to applying the lessons learned in their lives and communities. |
