National leaders have called on Nigerian youths to spearhead the country’s renewal, emphasizing that meaningful change depends on young citizens organizing, demanding accountability, and sustaining civic engagement.
The call came on Wednesday WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), held in Lagos under the theme “Footprints and Frontlines.” EiE is a civil society organization that advocates for accountable governance and active citizen participation.
In a virtual keynote address, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala urged youths to lead change with courage and conviction. She reminded them of her 2010 message: “Do not wait and watch. Do not ask for permission. Get up, organise and make a difference.”
Highlighting that 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 30, she called on young people to use their numbers constructively, tackling issues such as unemployment and limited access to capital.
Okonjo-Iweala also praised EiE’s Office of the Citizen initiative, which empowers communities to demand transparency and improved public services, noting that civic pressure is crucial for reform.
Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor, Mohammad Sanusi, said rebuilding Nigeria requires honesty and collective responsibility. He urged citizens to embrace a shared national vision beyond ethnicity, religion, or political interest.
Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to persist in the struggle for justice and fairness, while former Minister of Communication Technology Omobola Johnson emphasized collaboration, sacrifice, and citizen contribution in nation-building.
EiE Executive Director Yemi Adamolekun highlighted the importance of citizen engagement, stressing that national progress is tied to individual responsibility. She also announced 36-year-old Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh as the organization’s new Executive Director.
The event featured the relaunch of Footprints: Past, Present, Future (2nd Edition) in honor of the late diplomat Dr. Christopher Kolade and premiered One Voice, Many Echoes, a short film documenting historic protests and marches for democracy and justice in
Nigeria.
