Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra has challenged the youth to defy the status quo of living their lives and rather lead instead.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Legacy Lecture Series, Prof. Joshua Alabi counselled the youth on nurturing their leadership potential.

“Many of us are dreamers and will only live in the world of fantasy, are you living your life or leading your life,” he queried. You need to lead your life, so if you’re walking alone tell yourself you’re the leader even if you don’t have followers don’t mind. The followers will come when you start creating good ideas and the ideas can be used to enhance their personal being.

“To lead your life you need productivity skills, you need a personal vison broken down into goals and you need discipline, humility and determination as well as patience and tolerance to lead and direct your life.” He advised.

Citing Jamaica as an example he urged the youth to always see problems as minor and major situations to enable them surmount them more easily.

“When you see a need or when you encounter a problem, do not just see it as a challenge or limitation. See it as an opportunity to make a difference or create value, think about a solution not a problem.”

Prof. Alabi however stated that Ghanaians were responsible for not creating or helping leaders in the country. Recounting his own experience, the former vice chancellor noted that there were some people who were in the habit of sitting on the fence and when a drastic decision is taken against them they go to the media and present their side of the story. This he said always resulted in people insulting the leaders on the airwaves, adding that the families of such ones were always the most affected.

He therefore called on Ghanaians to help and encourage leaders to effect the growth of the country.