Samson Lardy Anyenini Encourages KNUST Graduates to Focus on Leadership and Purpose

Samson Lardy Anyenini, a private legal practitioner and journalist, delivered a thought-provoking speech to graduands at the 58th Congregation of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, urging them to focus on leadership and purpose as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. Rather than offering the typical motivational speech centered on personal success stories, Anyenini took a different approach, challenging the graduates to reflect deeply on their role in shaping the future of Africa.
Drawing inspiration from global leaders, Anyenini shared stories of visionary leadership that have transformed nations and underscored the importance of planning, purpose, and integrity. He highlighted the transformative leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who turned Dubai, a barren desert, into a thriving global business and tourism hub. Similarly, he spoke about Jean Monnet, whose quiet yet determined leadership helped lay the foundations for the European Union, and Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed Singapore from a struggling nation into one of the world’s most prosperous economies.
These leaders, Anyenini emphasized, achieved success because they had clear, deliberate plans and pursued their purposes with unwavering determination. “These leaders rallied their nations toward development,” he remarked, pointing out that Africa, with its vast natural resources, must follow similar strategies to overcome the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment.
Anyenini also issued a direct challenge to the graduands to reject the common pitfalls of corruption and indiscipline, which he described as the “curse of leadership in Africa.” He emphasized that Ghana’s continued reliance on foreign aid, despite the country’s abundant resources, highlights the urgent need for a new generation of leaders who are focused on purpose and integrity. “Young Africans are the continent’s greatest resource,” he said. “With over 60% of the population made up of energetic youth, it’s time to channel this energy into creating meaningful change.”
The legal practitioner reminded the graduates that their education is not merely for personal advancement but a call to serve the community and the nation. He encouraged them to emulate the values of integrity and discipline demonstrated by global changemakers, urging them to leverage the knowledge and skills they have gained to make a positive impact. “The world is literally in your hands,” Anyenini said. “Pursue good plans and purposes with the education you’ve acquired. Congratulations on your achievement, but remember, this is just the beginning.”
Anyenini shared a personal reflection on his own journey, recalling his time at KNUST, where he was part of one of the first batches of law students in the university’s newly established Faculty of Law. He noted that, prior to his admission to the University of Ghana, he had spent time in Kumasi working as a gardener, washing clothes, and running errands for lecturers. This experience, he noted, taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons that were pivotal in his rise.
He then moved to the core of his message: the importance of having a clear plan and purpose. He shared three significant global examples of leaders who, through vision and deliberate action, brought about immense change. He discussed the remarkable growth of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), specifically Dubai, which grew its GDP from $11 billion to $101 billion between 1995 and 2015. This was achieved through strategic planning, technological advancements, and the creation of an environment conducive to business and tourism.
Anyenini also discussed the success of Jean Monnet, a French civil servant who, despite not holding a major political office, was instrumental in creating the framework that led to the European Union. His dedication to a clear plan turned Europe’s post-war divisions into a lasting peace and cooperation.
The third story involved Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed Singapore from a resource-poor island into an economic powerhouse. Lee’s focus on hard work, discipline, and integrity allowed Singapore to flourish despite its lack of natural resources. According to Anyenini, these examples should serve as a roadmap for Africa, which is rich in natural resources but remains plagued by poverty due to poor governance and mismanagement.
However, Anyenini turned the focus of his speech toward the role of Africa’s youth in transforming the continent. He pointed out that despite Africa’s rich natural resources—such as gold, oil, and arable land—the continent continues to face underdevelopment, corruption, and economic dependence. Anyenini noted that African leaders often go abroad with their hands outstretched for aid, while corruption continues to drain vital resources from the continent.
In contrast, Africa’s youth, who make up more than half of the continent’s population, remain the continent’s most valuable resource. Anyenini challenged the graduates to see themselves as the leaders who can break the cycle of corruption and mismanagement. He pointed out that despite their education, many young Africans migrate abroad for better opportunities, while the continent struggles with basic issues like food insecurity, health crises, and economic dependence.
He concluded by urging the graduates to follow the examples of leaders like Jean Monnet, Lee Kuan Yew, and Al Maktoum, who achieved greatness by focusing on deliberate plans, pursuing their purposes with integrity, and overcoming obstacles. “The world is literally in your hands,” Anyenini reminded them, imploring the young graduates to embrace their potential to lead and change Africa for the better.