In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, the Centre for Gender Studies (CGS), Bayero University Kano, hosted a Refresher Training on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, at the CBN Centre of Excellence, Bayero University Kano.
With the theme “CGS @ 10: A Decade of Impact and Inclusive Leadership,” the event brought together Sustainability Ambassadors and members of the CGS Student Mentee Group to reflect on leadership, inclusion, and sustainability in education and beyond.
The highlight of the session was an inspiring presentation by Aisha Ado Abdullahi, Lead Counsel at Green Edge Attorneys, titled “Setting the Stage: Finding the Leader in You.”
In her engaging and heartfelt address, Aisha redefined the concept of leadership, emphasizing that true leadership is not about position but about purpose. She challenged students to discover who they are, what they stand for, and how they can use their unique abilities to make a difference in their communities.
“Leadership begins within,” she noted. “Every great leader from Nelson Mandela to Malala Yousafzai first learned to lead themselves before leading others.”
Aisha outlined three dimensions of leadership: self-leadership, vision, and service, urging students to cultivate discipline, envision solutions to societal problems, and use their influence to uplift others.
Connecting leadership with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), she reminded participants that education should not end in theory but inspire action toward a better, more inclusive world.
“ESD is about empowering you to take action for a better future,” she said. “It’s about using your education to solve real-world problems, promote peace, and build sustainability.”
She further shared five practical steps to discovering the leader within:
- Know Yourself – Build self-awareness through reflection and feedback.
- Learn Continuously – Embrace lifelong learning and mentorship.
- Take Initiative – Start small and lead through action.
- Build Relationships – Listen, collaborate, and value diversity.
- Stay Grounded in Values – Uphold integrity, empathy, and accountability.
Closing her presentation, Ms. Abdullahi reminded the participants that the world needs leaders who think critically, act ethically, and inspire others, quoting John Quincy Adams:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
Her message resonated deeply with the audience, leaving students motivated to embrace leadership as a daily practice rooted in purpose, service, and sustainability.
As CGS celebrates a decade of advancing gender equity and leadership, this session stood as a powerful reminder that the next generation of sustainable leaders are already among us, ready to find their voice and shape a better tomorrow.
For more information about Green Edge Attorneys, visit: www.greenedgeattorneys.com
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