Yiaga Africa Director urges Nigerian youths to prepare for value-driven leadership

The Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has called on Nigerian youths to prepare for political participation rooted in values and performance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s special programme marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Itodo emphasised that youth leadership must go beyond numbers to reflect substance and ideology.

“The dominant character of the politics we practice in Nigeria is not one that is driven by values or performance in office.

 “Young people who clamour for leadership cannot act in the same manner as traditional politicians. Nigerians are looking for a new lease and character of leadership, ” said.

Itodo assessed the role of young people in governance two years into President Tinubu’s administration, stating that quantitative participation was not enough.

 “When we talk about youth representation, it’s not the quantitative dimension of participation that matters most.

”The key question is, How are these young people performing in public office?, ” he asked.

Itodo highlighted the importance of preparation and leadership development for young people, citing the ‘Not Too Young To Run law passed in 2018’.

“I’ve learnt three things in the past two years of getting young people into office, there is a place for preparation as far as leadership is concerned.

”This is why it’s so important for young people to invest in leadership development.”

Itodo emphasised that the current political environment in Nigeria does not encourage merit-based or transformative leadership.

 “Unfortunately, we are within a context that does not celebrate merit-based, transformative leadership, so we need to inculcate that mindset into young people.

”There has to be an ideology that drives the kind of politics we practice, ” he said.

Despite the challenges, Itodo remained optimistic about the potential of Nigeria’s youth.

 “Young people have what it takes to provide that leadership, but they’ve got to be prepared.

”As a country, we are not paying enough attention to young people. A lot of them are upset with leadership at all levels because leadership is not delivering political and economic opportunities to them, ” added.

Itodo stressed the need for intentional efforts to be made to bring young Nigerians into leadership positions and equip them with the tools needed to succeed.