By Isah Abubakar
Nigeria’s Youth Are Ready to Lead
For decades, Nigerian youths have campaigned, voted, and supported older politicians, yet leadership positions have remained largely out of their reach.
After years of exclusion and limited opportunities, a new generation of young Nigerians is stepping forward — determined to shape the nation’s destiny.
Armed with education, skills, and an unrelenting drive, they are ready to confront Nigeria’s most pressing challenges — from corruption and unemployment to insecurity and inequality. No longer content to remain on the sidelines, they are transforming ideas into policies and ambition into measurable progress.
*The Future Is Now*
During Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, a bold gathering of young leaders in Abuja sent a resounding message: the future is not tomorrow — it is now.
At the launch of the Future Is Now Project at Nicon Luxury Hotel, youth delegates, civil society leaders, and public officials called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. Their message was unmistakable — after decades of marginalization, the country’s largest demographic must take its rightful place in governance.
“For too long, Nigerian youths have been excluded from decision-making. That era must end,” declared Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, Interim Chairman of the Project. “This is not just a project; it is a movement powered by the hopes, energy, and determination of millions of young Nigerians.”
Dasuki, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Marine and Blue Economy/Shipping Services, emphasized that the initiative transcends party lines. “This is about inclusion and progress. Anyone who believes in that is welcome to join us,” he said.
“Today,” Dasuki added, “we are not merely launching a project, but igniting a movement — one born of sacrifice, fueled by courage and conviction, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youths. The future is not tomorrow; the future is now.”
*A Call for Generational Leadership*
Project Convener Laolu Akande, a former presidential aide, outlined ambitious targets ahead of the 2027 elections. The movement envisions that at least 70 percent of local government and state assembly seats will be held by youths under 35, and that a similar proportion of House of Representatives seats will be contested and won by those under 40. It also advocates that no less than 50 percent of executive appointments at both federal and state levels go to Nigerians under 40.
“Too often, young people are denied the opportunity to contest elections or hold leadership positions,” Dasuki noted. “It is alarming that in Nigeria’s democracy, youths continue to be overlooked.”
With a population nearing 230 million — of which roughly 70 percent, or about 160 million, are youths — their representation in governance remains disproportionately low. “The time has come,” Dasuki asserted, “for young Nigerians to rise and lead the change.”
*Youth Leadership as a Catalyst for Progress*
The Future Is Now Project seeks to channel the creativity, innovation, and energy of young Nigerians into practical governance solutions. Across sectors — from technology startups to social enterprises — youths are already driving transformation. By giving them political platforms, the movement aims to translate this energy into sustainable policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and national development.
*The initiative also prioritizes accountability and transparency* .
Young leaders are encouraged to base their decisions on evidence, lead with integrity, and demonstrate that youth-led governance can be both effective and transformative.
Collaboration remains central to the project’s vision. Delegates emphasized the importance of partnerships with civil society organizations, the private sector, and experienced politicians to address critical national issues — including insecurity, inequality, and climate change. By fostering civic engagement, the project aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who are visionary yet grounded in practical realities.
*The Youth Speak*
From Sokoto to Calabar, Kano to Port Harcourt, young Nigerians expressed frustration with a political system that recycles the old guard while marginalizing emerging leaders.
“We’ve waited long enough,” said Amina Suleiman, a youth leader from Kano. “We’re no longer satisfied being campaigners or aides. We want to lead and make a real difference.”
Daniel Ekanem from Cross River State described the movement as “a generational handshake,” symbolizing collaboration between older and younger politicians. Across the country, youth leaders echoed the same sentiment: this is a unifying movement that transcends ethnicity, religion, and party politics.
“For the first time, young Nigerians are speaking with one voice,” said Anas Dukura, a youth activist from Sokoto, currently based in London. “We have the courage and determination to fix what isn’t working. We are ready to lead — and we fully support the Future Is Now Project.”
*Respecting the Elders*
At the unveiling, delegates paid tribute to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational roles in building the nation. At the same time, they called on the older generation to graciously create space for emerging leaders — positioning themselves as mentors to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition of power.
“This is not rebellion,” said Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, “it is renewal. We need the wisdom and guidance of our elders as we take responsibility for the next chapter in Nigeria’s journey.”
Abubakar writes from Kano
isaabubakar@yahoo.com
