By Seyi Odewale
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said Nigeria’s future depends largely on its ability to raise a generation of responsible, skilled and purpose-driven young people capable of providing solutions to the country’s challenges.
Olawande made the assertion on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), organised by Rotary International District 9127 for more than 600 young Nigerians under the theme, “Transforming Talents into Impact.”
The Minister said Nigeria could not afford a generation of young people who waited for political appointments or formal positions before demonstrating leadership, stressing that responsible leadership must begin with personal choices, character and service.
“Leadership is not about titles. Leadership is not about appointments,” Olawande said, urging the participants to see leadership as a responsibility that begins long before they occupy positions of authority.
According to him, the country needs young people who are prepared to take responsibility, develop their abilities and deploy their talents to solve problems in their communities.
He identified character, competence and commitment as essential attributes for young Nigerians seeking to make a difference, stressing that talent without the right values could not produce sustainable leadership.
Olawande also challenged the participants to look beyond university degrees by acquiring practical skills that would make them relevant in an increasingly technology-driven and competitive world.
He said while academic qualifications remained important, young Nigerians needed additional competencies in areas such as technology, communication, entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
“A degree alone cannot strengthen you enough,” he said, urging youths to acquire at least two practical skills and continuously improve themselves.
The Minister urged the participants not to allow their backgrounds or past experiences to define their ambitions, saying perseverance, hard work and a willingness to learn remained critical to achieving success.
He said many successful people had passed through difficult experiences before reaching positions of influence, adding that young people should focus more on building capacity than seeking instant recognition.
Olawande further challenged the youths to transform their talents and knowledge into solutions that could improve the lives of others.
He said the most important question for every young Nigerian should be what problem they could solve and the value such solutions could create for society.
The Minister said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, was working to expand opportunities for young Nigerians through programmes focusing on employment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and access to finance.
He, however, acknowledged that government alone could not address the complex challenges confronting the country’s youthful population.
“The government cannot do it alone,” Olawande said, stressing the need for partnerships with the private sector, civil society organisations and development institutions such as Rotary.
He described the participation of more than 600 young Nigerians in the RYLA programme as an important investment in the country’s future, urging the participants to take advantage of the knowledge, networks and opportunities available to them.
Olawande also urged young Nigerians to make productive use of digital platforms, stressing that social media and technology should be deployed for learning, innovation, networking and economic advancement rather than being used primarily for entertainment.
He said Nigeria needed young people across virtually every sector, including business, technology, agriculture, politics, public service and community development.
Earlier, the Rotary International District 9127 Governor, Sikiru Owonikoko, urged the participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the academy.
Owonikoko said the programme offered participants opportunities to acquire leadership skills, build relationships, receive mentorship and gain experiences that could shape their future careers.
He urged them to take the sessions seriously and maintain discipline, noting that mentorship, sponsorship and other opportunities could emerge from their participation.
The Chairman of the RYLA 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Kayode Olushola Fasua, described the academy as significant because of the large number of young Nigerians participating.
Fasua said participants would receive training in leadership, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, financial intelligence, civic responsibility, character development, mentorship and vocational skills.
He urged the youths to leave the academy not merely inspired but transformed into ethical leaders, innovative problem-solvers and compassionate citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
