The Validatorian speech
Good day to everyone here—respected faculty, distinguished guests, cherished family and friends, and, of course, my fellow graduates.
For those who those don’t know me, My name is Constance Joetta, and I am truly humbled to stand before you today as the valedictorian of the 7th cohort of the African Youth Leadership Institute and as the first dux. Today is a celebration, not just of what we’ve achieved, but of the journey that has brought us here and of the new paths that lie ahead.
For me, this journey began long before I ever joined this institute. Growing up, I was often surrounded by stories and voices urging us to rise above our circumstances. I was especially inspired by my late grandfather Cllr. Joseph H.Constance, a quiet leader in his own right, who served as an example of integrity, unity, and compassion. He was a man with no grand authority, who took it upon himself to be there for our community—to listen, to advise, and to bring people together. His words stayed with me: I remember he we say, honorable as he would call me , 🤭To create change, you must be willing to lead, and to lead, you must be willing to serve. I carry his words within me as a guiding principle, and from that seed, my journey toward intentional leadership began.
My quest to become a purposeful leader, one who is prepared, knowledgeable, and driven by a vision of change, led me here. I looked around at a world where so many in leadership seemed to stumble without direction, where good intentions sometimes weren’t enough, and where it was clear that accidental leaders—those who lacked preparation, purpose, and vision—were all too common. I wanted to be different, to be intentional about preparing for every opportunity to lead, to learn, and to make a meaningful impact.
When I first heard of the African Youth Leadership Institute, I knew this was the platform I had been searching for. From the moment I joined, it was clear that AYLI was more than just a learning environment—it was a transformative experience. It challenged me to grow, to question, and to deepen my understanding of what leadership can and should be. It was here that I realized true leadership is not about power but about responsibility, about standing for those who cannot stand for themselves, and about striving relentlessly for the principles that guide a just society.
One of the most profound experiences for me was the study of international human rights. It opened my eyes to the vast, interconnected responsibility we have, not only to our own communities but to people everywhere. I recognized that leadership means standing up for dignity, fairness, and justice in all we do. This realization strengthened my resolve to be the kind of leader who doesn’t only talk about change but who works to make it happen.
But AYLI also gave me something just as important as knowledge—community. Together, we learned to think critically, to debate, and to bring forward the best of each other. I remember one particular session on critical thinking where we laughed about how now we’d become unshakeable questioners. We vowed to examine and analyze every decision and every truth presented to us. From public speaking sessions to the laughter and support of my classmates, I found a circle of people who have taught me that true strength lies not only in individual growth but in collective resilience.
As I stand here today, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and sense of purpose that AYLI has instilled in me. I look at each of you, my fellow graduates, and I see the promise of Africa’s future—a future shaped by people willing to put in the work, to ask the tough questions, and to be the leaders our continent needs. In a world where we are often overlooked, it is up to us to take up the mantle, to lead with intention, and to prove that we are capable of steering Africa towards a brighter future.
To our incredible mentors and instructors at AYLI, thank you for pouring your wisdom and belief into us. To my fellow graduates, thank you for the support, for the long nights, for the countless shared dreams. Together, we have built a community, one that I know will carry forward, shaping not only our lives but the lives of those around us.
Today is not an ending—it is the start of our journey as intentional leaders. Let us go forth with courage and vision, ready to make our mark, to inspire, and to transform.
Thank you, and congratulations to the 7th graduating class of the African Youth Leadership Institute. The future awaits us, and I know we’re ready.
