We’re committed to leadership development, youth empowerment – UDUF Africa

By Praise Chinecherem

The Ultimate Destiny Uplifters Foundation (UDUF Africa) has reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development and youth empowerment.

The Continental President of UDUF Africa, Uplifter Uchenna Christopher stated this at the group’s July Business Meeting and Mentorship Session held at the Onitsha Business School, GRA, Anambra State.

The programme, themed, “Mastering Parliamentary Procedure for Effective Leadership and Efficient Business Meetings” attracted entrepreneurs, professionals, students, emerging leaders, and members of the foundation seeking to strengthen their leadership and organisational management skills.

Declaring the meeting open, Christopher described regular business meetings as important platforms for learning, collaboration, accountability, and organisational growth.

He urged participants to actively engage in the session, stressing that knowledge acquired through continuous learning has the potential to transform individuals, organisations and communities.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UDUF Africa, UPL. Ezuma Smart Chinedu who emphasised that parliamentary procedure remained an indispensable tool for ensuring orderly, transparent, democratic, and productive meetings.

He explained that effective organisations thrive on discipline, accountability, fairness, respect, and proper decision-making processes.

He took participants through the principles of parliamentary procedure, including majority rule while protecting minority rights, orderly conduct of meetings, democratic decision-making, and respect for members during deliberations.

The facilitator also exposed participants to practical aspects of meeting management, such as preparing meeting agendas, introducing and processing motions, handling debates and resolutions, understanding different categories of motions and the respective duties of chairpersons and members.

According to him, adherence to parliamentary procedure enhances effective governance in businesses, professional associations, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, and community groups.

The presentation featured practical demonstrations and real-life scenarios, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience in chairing meetings, resolving procedural issues, and promoting productive participation during deliberations.

A book review session facilitated by Munachimso Fortunate focused on How Successful People Lead by John C. Maxwell.

The review underscored the importance of intentional leadership development, continuous learning, service, and influence, while encouraging participants to invest in personal growth and build trust within their organisations.

An interactive discussion and mentorship session provided participants opportunities to seek clarification on leadership challenges, exchange experiences, and establish professional relationships through networking.

Several participants described the training as enlightening, noting that it corrected long-held misconceptions about conducting meetings and enhanced their understanding of parliamentary procedures.

They particularly commended the practical demonstrations on handling motions, maintaining order during meetings, and ensuring fairness in decision-making.

Others said the leadership lessons and book review had inspired them to pursue continuous self-development and pledged to implement the knowledge gained in their churches, businesses, youth organisations, and professional associations.

The organisers said the programme achieved its objectives of equipping participants with practical leadership and governance skills capable of improving organisational effectiveness, accountability, teamwork, and institutional growth.

The foundation reaffirmed its resolve to continue providing mentorship, entrepreneurship,c leadership development, and capacity-building opportunities aimed at raising transformational leaders across Africa.

UDUF Africa noted that the success of the July mentorship session demonstrates the importance of continuous learning and adherence to proper leadership procedures in building stronger organisations and advancing sustainable development across the continent.