COLE2Lead Launches to Groom 31,900 Emerging Leaders in Rivers State Ahead of 2027 Elections

Rivers State is set to witness a new wave of leadership development as COLE2Lead, an initiative aimed at preparing ethical, competent, and service-driven leaders, was officially launched ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The programme, spearheaded by The COLE’ctive Initiative, is designed as a policy and leadership accelerator to bridge the gap between political ambition and effective governance through structured civic education and policy literacy.

COLE2Lead is expected to operate across all 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, targeting 31,900 emerging leaders drawn from communities, professional networks, youth groups, and civic platforms. The initiative aims to expand leadership opportunities beyond those traditionally granted access to political power.

Speaking on the launch, Tonye Patrick Cole, whose leadership philosophy inspired the programme, emphasized that leadership is a deliberate practice rooted in service, ethics, and public accountability. “Leadership should never be accidental,” he said. “COLE2Lead is about preparing people to lead with clarity, competence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public.”

The programme will establish 23 virtual learning hubs and deliver governance and policy training across 319 wards in Rivers State. Participants, including members of civic movements such as FREE2RUN Rivers, will engage in workshops, mentoring sessions, and practical exercises to strengthen ethical decision-making and public service orientation.

According to organisers, COLE2Lead is designed to demystify governance by equipping participants with practical tools to navigate policy processes and lead with credibility at local and state levels.

Governance experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that leadership accelerators focused on ethics and competence are essential for restoring public trust and ensuring sustainable political renewal.

The launch of COLE2Lead underscores The COLE’ctive Initiative’s commitment to building inclusive leadership systems that are intentional, community-driven, and grounded in genuine civic engagement