Ten Months That Changed Us

Ten Months That Changed Us

Staying in Kuru, Jos, for ten months, with a few interludes for tours within and outside Nigeria, is truly an exhilarating experience. Jos is known for its pleasant weather, although it is the combination of the people and the climate that makes it one of the most comfortable places to live in Nigeria. Forget the occasional, now largely rested, inter-communal and religious disturbances, often fuelled by the instrumentalisation of religion and ethnicity by the political elite for their ends. The people of Jos remain truly welcoming and friendly.

The journey began in March 2025, when I reported for the commencement of the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute, Kuru. It was one of the rarest opportunities anyone could have in life, the privilege of meeting highly accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds and callings, all coming together to live and learn in the same space for ten months. I still remember the inauguration day, when the 97 of us (later 96) assembled for the opening. We barely knew the names of each other, let alone our histories. And so the journey began. By the first half of the course, we knew one another by name and calling. We had formed bonds that will last for rest of our lives.

Today, as I reflect on the journey of the past ten months—the long hours of plenary sessions, assignments, tours, rehearsals, presentations, and the countless moments of learning from each other—I am proud to state that we are emerging as transformed Nigerians in our understanding, psyche, and attitude. We are now prepared to lead the efforts to fix our country.

We are now set to begin a new phase in our lives, a phase defined by hope and by the mission of building a better society.