Communities across Rivers State are set to benefit from a transformative education project as the COLE2Lead initiative rolls out 23 virtual learning hubs.
The centres are expected to serve as technology-enabled spaces that promote academic excellence, skills acquisition, and leadership development among young people.
Tonye Cole, the programme initiator, explained that it would operate across all 23 local government areas and would engage over 31,900 emerging leaders.
According to Cole, the new initiative, tagged ‘COLE2Lead’, a policy and leadership accelerator, is designed to bridge the gap between ambition and effective governance by focusing on policy literacy and civic responsibility.
”The initiative reinforces The COLE’ctive’s commitment to building inclusive systems that ensure leadership renewal is intentional and grounded in community realities,” he said.
Besides, he noted that the programme seeks to democratise leadership, ensuring opportunities are accessible to committed individuals from communities, professional sectors, and youth networks, not just those with proximity to power.
“Leadership should never be accidental. COLE2Lead is about preparing people to lead with clarity, competence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public.
“The programme’s structure includes establishing 23 virtual learning hubs and delivering governance training across 319 wards,” Cole noted.
In addition, he said, “Participants, drawn from civic platforms like FREE2RUN Rivers, will engage in workshops and mentorship to strengthen ethical decision-making and public service mindsets.”
Cole emphasised that the programme demystifies governance and equips leaders with the tools to understand policy and lead with credibility.
He noted that by embedding leadership development within real civic engagement, COLE2Lead aims to build a sustainable pipeline of competent leaders.
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