Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central, Kayode Akintemi, has called on leaders to embrace intentionality, courage and youth inclusion as pillars of lasting impact.
Akintemi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Club Leadership Learning Seminar (CLLS) organised by Rotary International District 9112 in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme of impact-driven leadership, he emphasised that true legacy goes beyond short-term success and requires leaders to stand out.
“Lasting impact requires something different; it requires courage and distinction,” he said.
He challenged leaders to rethink their engagement with young people, noting that organisations must move from mere communication to active collaboration.
“At News Central, we don’t just speak to young people; we build with them,” he stated.
Akintemi warned that organisations built solely on the desire to succeed may not endure, stressing that belief systems and purpose drive longevity.
“Don’t build to compete, but build to contribute something new,” he added.
He concluded his address with three guiding principles for leaders: be intentional, be distinct, and invest in people, especially the next generation.
Akintemi joined News Central in 2023, bringing experience from Channels Television, Arise News and PlusTV Africa.
He has also served in the public sector in the United Kingdom, including consultancy work with the London Borough of Hillingdon.
The Club Leadership Learning Seminar is a core leadership development platform of Rotary, designed to equip incoming club executives with the knowledge and mindset required for effective service.
Organised annually ahead of the new Rotary year, the programme prepares leaders across clubs to drive sustainable impact, strengthen organisational continuity, and align with Rotary’s broader mission of service above self.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
