The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called on Toastmasters International, Uyo Community, to extend its public speaking and leadership training to secondary schools in order to nurture a new generation of confident and responsible leaders.
Comrade John made the call when the leadership of Toastmasters International, Uyo Community, paid him a courtesy visit at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, today.
The NUJ Chairman described the organisation’s focus on public speaking, leadership development and effective communication as critical to societal growth, noting that many young people today face leadership challenges due to an increasing preoccupation with the pursuit of money rather than personal development.
He stressed that exposing students to speech delivery, communication and leadership skills from an early age would help build confidence, strengthen character and prepare them for future leadership responsibilities.
Comrade John assured the delegation that the NUJ and media practitioners in Akwa Ibom State would remain dependable partners in promoting initiatives that advance communication, leadership and public enlightenment.
Earlier, the President of Toastmasters International, Uyo Community, Toastmaster Iniobong Uwem, said the visit was to formally introduce the organisation and its members to the leadership of the NUJ.
She explained that Toastmasters provides a platform for individuals to develop effective communication, public speaking and presentation skills, adding that journalists could also benefit from the organisation’s structured learning programmes to further refine their delivery and presentation techniques.
Toastmaster Uwem expressed the group’s desire to foster collaborative relationship with journalists in the state to promote professional development.
