UK Councillor, Akin Elekolusi Hosts, Trains Kaduna Delegates in London
UK Councillor, Akin Elekolusi, a serving member of Stevenage Borough Council, has hosted and trained visiting delegates from Kaduna State in Nigeria as part of an executive leadership programme in London.
The delegation, comprising Local Government Chairmen and senior public administrators, participated in the Advancing Leadership in Local Government: Global Best Practices and Digital Transformation Programme, organised by the London Tilcareer Institute (LTI).
Cllr Akin Elekolusi, known in Stevenage for his focus on community-driven development, accountability, youth engagement, and grassroots governance, led sessions on digital transformation in local authorities, community engagement, modern council service delivery, and transparent decision-making frameworks.
He noted that effective local government systems depend on innovation, transparency, and citizen-focused leadership—principles he shared with the visiting officials.
During the study tour, delegates observed how UK councils manage budgeting, service delivery, housing, community safety, ward-level representation, and data-driven governance.
According to Dr Oyewole Alegbeleye, LTI’s Director of International Affairs, the programme aims to provide Nigerian local government leaders with practical models that can be adapted to their contexts. “Councillor Elekolusi embodies the leadership we want our delegates to learn from—community-rooted, data-informed, and responsive,” he said.
Delegates also took part in peer-exchange visits, digital governance workshops, leadership networking with British officials, an awards and graduation ceremony, and a fellowship induction into the British Global Leadership Society.
The programme is expected to open opportunities for bilateral career development offices in Nigeria, youth digital education funding, community skill acceleration projects, and long-term council-to-council cooperation.
Elekolusi’s participation further strengthens UK–Africa local governance relations and demonstrates a growing commitment to improving local service delivery, digital readiness, and community trust.
The Kaduna delegation arrived in London in November for a series of structured training sessions and study tours, as local governments worldwide continue to seek innovative responses to digital disruption, youth unemployment, and declining public trust.
