Isah Abubakar
Nigeria’s Youth Are Ready to Lead
For decades, Nigeria’s youth have campaigned, voted, and supported older politicians, yet leadership roles have largely remained out of their reach.
Frustrated by years of exclusion, young Nigerians are now stepping forward, determined to play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.
Armed with education, skills, and unrelenting drive, they are ready to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, from corruption and unemployment to insecurity and inequality.
No longer willing to remain on the sidelines, they are moving to turn ideas into policies and ambition into tangible results.
The Future Is Now
On the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, a bold gathering of young leaders in Abuja delivered a clear 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 nation’s largest demographic must take its rightful place in governance.
“For too long, Nigerian youths have been left behind in decision-making. That era must end,” said Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, Interim Chairman of the Project. “This is not merely 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 can join us,” he said.
Today,” Dasuki declared, “we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. 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 leading up to the 2027 elections. The movement aims for at least 70 percent of local government and state assembly seats to be held by youths under 35, and for a similar proportion of House of Representatives seats to be contested and won by those under 40.
It also calls for no less than 50 percent of executive appointments at federal and state levels to go to Nigerians under 40.
“Too often, young people are denied the chance to contest elections or hold leadership positions,” Dasuki said. “It is disturbing that in Nigeria’s democracy, politicians consistently overlook youths.
With a population nearing 230 million, and youth making up roughly 70 percent, about 160 million people, their representation in governance remains minimal. The time has come for young Nigerians to wake up and lead the change.”
Youth leadership as a catalyst for progress
The Future Is Now Project seeks to harness the creativity, energy, and ideas of Nigeria’s youth, translating them into practical solutions for governance.
Young Nigerians are already driving innovation across sectors, from technology startups to social enterprises. By giving them political platforms, the movement aims to convert 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 make evidence-based decisions and lead with integrity, demonstrating that youth-led governance can be both effective and transformative.
Collaboration remains central to the project’s vision. Delegates stressed the importance of working with civil society, private sector actors, and seasoned politicians to tackle pressing national challenges, from insecurity and social inequality to climate change.
By fostering civic engagement and active participation, the project seeks to cultivate a generation of leaders who are both visionary and grounded in practical solutions.
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 are no longer content with being campaigners or aides, we want to lead and make a difference.”
Daniel Ekanem from Cross River State described the movement as “a generational handshake,” encouraging collaboration between older and younger politicians. Across Nigeria, youth leaders echoed the 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, recognizing their foundational contributions to the nation.
At the same time, they urged the older generation to graciously create space for emerging young leaders, positioning themselves as mentors and guides to ensure a smooth and sustainable leadership transition.
“This is not rebellion,” said Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, Interim Chairman of the Project. “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. He can be reached via isaabubakar@yahoo.com
