Nigeria’s Bright Future Lies in Its Youth

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In the 1960s through the 1980s, Nigeria believed in its youth. Ministers in their twenties, lawmakers in their early thirties, and visionaries in technology, literature, and policy were given real responsibility to help shape the nation. That trust eventually faded, leaving young Nigerians on the sidelines.

But today, the tide is turning. Across governance, technology, arts, and civic society, a new wave of young Nigerians is proving that the country’s brightest days lie ahead. This generation is not only demanding space—they are creating it.

Youth in Governance

The National Assembly now carries the voice of a younger generation. Hon. Bello Mohammed El-Rufai has shown legislative courage, while Hon. Ibrahim Bello Mohammed, elected at just 27, proves that young leadership is possible and effective. Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, the youngest female legislator, alongside Barr. Otobong Bob, Unyime Josiah Idem, Kabir Tukura Ibrahim, and Lanre Okunlola, demonstrates that energy and fresh ideas are reshaping lawmaking.

Beyond parliament, other platforms are giving youth a powerful voice. Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, President of Nigeria Youths in Politics, is mobilizing young people nationwide to participate in governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that youth issues are not sidelined. His work is a reminder that leadership is not just about holding office but about building a generation-wide movement for inclusion.

Behind the scenes, the corridors of power are energized by younger aides and advisers. Musaddiq Mustapha, Personal Assistant to the President, is a trusted hand in national decision-making. Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership, drives civic engagement. Abiodun Essiet, SSA on Community Engagement, has launched Citizens’ Assemblies. Gift Johnbull, SSA for the South-South, connects governance to grassroots communities.

Others like Ayomide Adeagbo (Arts, Culture & Creative Economy), Titilope Gbadamosi (Delivery & Monitoring), Comrade Sunday Asefon (Student Engagement), Nasir Yammama (Innovation), Ahmed Ishaq Ningi (Digital Media & Emergency Management), and Uju Anwuka (Public Health) embody how youth voices are embedded in the statecraft of today.

Builders and Innovators

Nigeria’s institutions are not left behind in this wave of renewal. At just 32, Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, is driving industrialization and innovation with a focus on renewable energy and local manufacturing. His leadership shows how young technocrats can anchor national progress.

In the innovation space, entrepreneurs like Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph, who founded the fintech startup Kippa, are transforming small business financing. Tech pioneers such as Mustapha Abubakar Gajibo, building electric buses, and young researchers like Brown Ejike, making strides in space exploration, showcase how Nigerian creativity is powering industries of the future.

Voices in Civic Leadership

Civic activism remains another front where youth shine. Imrana Alhaji Buba, through the Youth Coalition Against Terrorism, mobilizes young people against extremism. Yemi Adamolekun, Rinu Oduala, and Abideen Olasupo continue to lead bold campaigns for accountability and transparency.

Others are reshaping communities in quieter but equally powerful ways. Mercy Abah Patrick drives health awareness, Favour Abatang champions support for young mothers, and storytellers like Chibueze Chidire Victory bring social issues into the national conversation.

Meanwhile, initiatives like the Ozo Running Club in London—founded by Nigerian youth in the diaspora—show how identity, culture, and wellness blend to create global community.

Returning to a Golden Era

Nigeria once trusted its youth with leadership in the 1960s and 1980s. That trust is being restored—but this time, it is deeper and broader. Today’s young Nigerians are not waiting to inherit the future. They are actively building it—in parliament, in government offices, in classrooms, in innovation hubs, and across the global stage.

The future of Nigeria is not just bright. It is already here.


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