Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, emphasized that governors possess advanced strategic leadership abilities essential for delivering effective governance to Nigerians. Makinde, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), made this assertion following the participation of 19 Nigerian governors in a three-day executive leadership training held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

The NGF collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme to conduct this leadership retreat, aiming to enhance governance at the sub-national level. Makinde expressed his satisfaction with the strong representation of Nigerian state governors at the retreat, where they engaged in discussions centered around redefining leadership and harnessing innovative technology. The focus was drawn from Rwanda's remarkable journey of transformation.

A joint statement, co-signed by Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, the Director of Media at NGF, and Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg, the Head of Public Engagement, Outreach, and Partnership Lead at UNDP Nigeria, highlighted that the training, titled 'Reimagining leadership in a fast-changing world,' featured immersive sessions exploring Rwanda's achievements in digital technology, urban planning, and socio-economic advancement. Additionally, the participants had a private dialogue session with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

“It has been an engaging retreat. I am glad a significant number of governors are here to be part of it so that, together, we can use the knowledge acquired

“Our discussions have equipped us with adaptive leadership strategies and identifying pathways to effective governance and nationwide sustainable development,” Makinde was quoted to have said in the statement.