ABUJA, Nigeria — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigeria to deliberately prepare its young people for leadership positions, insisting that youths should no longer be regarded merely as the “leaders of tomorrow” but as capable leaders who must be equipped to take responsibility today.
Speaking at a youth-focused leadership event, Abbas said Nigeria’s future depends largely on how well it develops the capacity of its youthful population. He noted that with one of the largest youth populations in Africa, the country cannot afford to overlook the role of young people in governance, economic development and nation-building.
The Speaker stressed that government, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector must work together to create opportunities that enable youths to develop leadership skills, gain practical experience and contribute meaningfully to national development. According to him, investing in young people is essential to building strong democratic institutions and sustaining economic growth.
Abbas explained that leadership development should begin with quality education, mentorship, civic responsibility and access to opportunities that encourage innovation and critical thinking. He said young Nigerians must be empowered through programmes that prepare them to make informed decisions, solve problems and lead effectively in both public and private sectors.
He further stated that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislation that promote youth empowerment, improve access to education, encourage entrepreneurship and expand employment opportunities. According to him, creating an enabling environment for young people will strengthen the country’s social and economic foundations while reducing unemployment and poverty.
The Speaker also encouraged political parties to provide greater opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in politics and public service. He argued that involving youths in decision-making processes would enrich governance with fresh ideas, energy and innovation while ensuring that public policies reflect the aspirations of a younger generation.
Abbas urged experienced leaders across different sectors to mentor young people and help prepare them for future responsibilities. He said mentorship plays a crucial role in developing competent, ethical and visionary leaders capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex developmental challenges.
He advised Nigerian youths to take advantage of available educational and leadership opportunities by embracing discipline, integrity, continuous learning and hard work. According to him, personal commitment to self-development remains essential for anyone aspiring to leadership positions.
Development experts have consistently identified youth inclusion as a key factor in achieving sustainable national development. They argue that countries which invest in education, innovation and leadership development among young people are better positioned to compete globally, strengthen democratic institutions and achieve long-term economic prosperity.
In recent years, stakeholders have continued to advocate increased youth representation in governance, improved access to quality education, digital skills training and entrepreneurship programmes. They maintain that empowering young people is critical to addressing unemployment, boosting productivity and promoting inclusive growth.
Abbas reaffirmed that Nigeria must move beyond describing its youths as future leaders without providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed. He expressed confidence that through deliberate investments in education, mentorship, innovation and leadership development, young Nigerians would be well prepared to assume greater responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress and democratic advancement.
