Ene Audu, Abuja
The Ministry of Youth Development and the National Defence College, have launched a high-level leadership conference designed to prepare young Nigerians for critical roles across different sectors.
Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as “a bold step towards shaping the leadership architecture of our beloved country.”
He noted that with over 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, “the future is not a distant dream; it is in the hands, hearts, and minds of our young people today.”
The President underscored the urgency of values-based leadership and the inclusion of youth in tackling both national and global challenges such as cybersecurity, climate change, healthcare, food security, and innovation.
“The Nigeria we desire tomorrow depends on the leadership we build today,” President Tinubu stated.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Mohamed, emphasised the importance of the partnership at a time when the majority of Nigerians fall within the youth bracket.
“We believe the wealth of this nation is not in its oil or gas, but in the vibrant energy and potential of our youth. The future of Nigeria rests squarely in their hands,” the Minister said.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s strength is increasingly measured by the quality of its leadership and the readiness of young citizens to take responsibility.
Olawande described the collaboration with the National Defence College as both timely and vital, rooted in shared values of discipline, innovation, courage, and creativity.
“Today, leadership depends not just on position but on values. This conference offers young people a platform to engage, learn, and grow into the leaders our nation needs,” Olawande added.
Also addressing the gathering, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Mohammed Jalo of Igabi Federal Constituency, Kaduna, reaffirmed the importance of empowering young Nigerians for national progress.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Jo Okosun, highlighted the central role of youth in nation-building.
He stressed that “the strength of a country lies in its youth, and by investing in them.
The conference brought together young leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the country to deliberate on youth empowerment, leadership development, and strategies for national advancement.