FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Abuja, Nigeria July 18, 2026
Nelson Mandela was more than South Africa's first Black President. He was a leader who dared to imagine a society free from oppression, inequality, and division. He spent 67 years of his life fighting for justice, human dignity, and freedom—not only for South Africans, but for all people who dream of a more just and equitable world. His story continues to remind us that lasting change is possible when leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good. It is this same belief that drives the work of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development. Over the last 16years, Centre LSD has remained committed to its vision of a society transformed by strategic leadership. Through our work in governance, civic engagement, gender equality, youth development, institutional strengthening, and public policy, we have consistently championed the idea that the quality of leadership shapes the quality of society. Mandela's life serves as a powerful example of what strategic leadership can achieve. At a time when Africa continues to tackle challenges such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, gender-based violence and weak institutions, Mandela's legacy offers an important lesson: transformation does not happen by chance. It happens when individuals and institutions choose courage over complacency, service over self-interest, and hope over despair. This year's observance comes at a time when many communities across the continent are searching for solutions to complex social and economic challenges. While these challenges may appear overwhelming, Mandela's life reminds us that progress begins with ordinary people taking responsibility for extraordinary change. The United Nations designated 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day to encourage people everywhere to devote 67 minutes of service to their communities—one minute for every year Mandela spent advancing justice and equality. For Centre LSD, those 67 minutes represent more than an act of volunteerism. They symbolise a deeper commitment to active citizenship, responsible leadership, and collective action. They challenge us to ask what role each of us can play in building stronger communities, promoting inclusion, strengthening democratic institutions, and creating opportunities for future generations. Whether through mentoring a young person, supporting vulnerable groups, advocating for accountability, promoting peaceful coexistence, challenging harmful social norms, or simply extending kindness to others, every action matters. As Nelson Mandela once said, "It is in your hands now." Those words remain as relevant today as they were when he first spoke them. The future of Africa will not be determined solely by governments or political leaders. It will be shaped by citizens, communities, institutions, and organisations that are willing to lead with purpose and work together for the common good. On this Nelson Mandela Day, Centre LSD calls on Nigerians and Africans everywhere to embrace the values that Mandela embodied integrity, courage, compassion, justice and service. The most meaningful way to honour his legacy is not simply to remember his achievements, but to continue his work. By investing in ethical leadership, strengthening democratic values, promoting social justice and empowering citizens to become agents of change, we can help build the Africa that Mandela envisioned and for which he sacrificed so much. As we reflect on his life today, may we also renew our commitment to transforming society through strategic leadership -one community, one institution and one citizen at a time. About Centre LSD The Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) is a non-governmental organisation committed to transforming society through strategic leadership. The organisation works to strengthen governance, promote democratic accountability, advance gender equality and social inclusion, and support sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity development and policy engagement.
Signed:
Monday Osasah
Executive Director
African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) Abuja, Nigeria
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