Young people want inclusiveness, education retooled
Young leaders have made a strong case for the retooling of Nigeria’s education, political inclusiveness and opportunities to build the next generation of leaders that will drive development in Nigeria.
This, they said this is chiefly because between now and 2050 Nigeria would need transformational change that requires young people to take the driver’s seat in leadership.
The young leaders who spoke on the theme “leadership in 20250: insight from Nigeria emerging leaders agree our current education systems wouldn’t take us to where we want to be in 2050.
Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA, Africa who was on the panel said, “We need to fix politics. We’ve got to make politics or governance deliver development to the people. And the kind of leadership we need in public office are leaders who have capacity, who have competence, and the character to provide the excellent leadership that Nigerians need. I think that is the burden this generation faces,” adding that we also have to make politics interesting to young people.
He also warned that in the next 30 years new leaders will rise that will disrupt that space and provide the right kind of leadership.
But he also advocated that Nigerian political leadership needs to invest in education to equip the next generation of leaders.
Also speaking on the panel, Chidi Ajaero, the Chief Executive, God is Good Motors, said
In Nigeria today, there are a lot of young Nigerians that can deliver but all they need is an opportunity.
“When the founder of my company died, I was 21 and it was difficult to understand how a 22 year old would take the company to a global stage. But we took a company that employed less than 200 to over 4,000 staff across four countries” he noted, adding that what worked for him is the good education he had.
He also noted that the salvation of Africa lies on leadership, education and security.
Also, the 28-year-old board member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related crimes Commission, Hannatu Mohammed noted that there is need for political reorientation among youths.