The Time for Youth Leadership in Nigeria: A Call for Change

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

For decades, the promise of youth leadership has echoed throughout Nigeria. Leaders, past and present, have assured young Nigerians that they are the “leaders of tomorrow.” However, that tomorrow remains elusive. A striking example is former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his military regime in the late 1970s, he told students, “Children, listen to your teachers, as you are the future leaders of tomorrow.” Yet, decades later, he returned as a civilian president, while many from that youth generation remained excluded from meaningful leadership roles. This raises an essential question: When will tomorrow arrive for Nigeria’s young generation?

The Age-Long Marginalization of Youth in Nigerian Politics
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been dominated by the older generation, leaving little room for young leaders to emerge. Despite being a country where over 60% of the population is under 30, power remains concentrated in the hands of individuals in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. The gerontocratic nature of the system stifles the political aspirations of young people eager to contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and progressive policies.

This issue is not unique to Nigeria. Across Africa, youth exclusion in governance is a persistent challenge. However, global examples prove that young people can lead effectively when given the opportunity.

Global Examples of Youth Leadership
In contrast to Nigeria’s political structure, several nations have embraced young leaders, demonstrating that competence is not age-dependent. A prime example is France’s Emmanuel Macron, who became president at just 39 years old, signaling a shift in the French political landscape. Similarly, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern assumed office as Prime Minister at 37, bringing a fresh approach to governance.

Even within Africa, there have been promising strides. In 2018, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister at 42, making significant progress in economic reform, diplomacy, and youth inclusion. Yet, Nigeria remains a country where young politicians face systemic barriers that keep them out of power.

Challenges Hindering Youth Leadership in Nigeria
Age Restrictions and Political Barriers
Until the passing of the Not Too Young to Run bill in 2018, Nigeria’s constitution had prohibitive age limits for elective positions. While the bill lowered the minimum age for candidacy, systemic obstacles persist, including party-dominated nomination processes that favor older politicians.

Economic Disempowerment
Politics in Nigeria is heavily monetized, making it difficult for young aspirants without substantial financial backing to compete. The high costs associated with electioneering, from party nomination forms to campaign expenses, serve as major deterrents.

Godfatherism and Political Gatekeeping
The entrenched culture of political godfatherism means young aspirants must align with older, more established figures, often at the cost of their independence and potential for genuine change.

Voter Apathy and Disillusionment
Decades of electoral fraud, manipulation, and unfulfilled promises have led to widespread disillusionment among young voters, resulting in low participation rates that further marginalize them from political processes.

Lack of Political Education and Mentorship
Many young people possess the passion for leadership but lack the necessary training and mentorship to navigate the complexities of governance effectively. Without proper political education, their potential remains underutilized.

The Path Forward: How Young Nigerians Can Take Charge
Active Political Participation
Young people must move beyond political discourse and actively engage by voting, contesting for office, and holding leaders accountable. The 2023 elections witnessed a surge in youth political consciousness—a trend that must be sustained.

Strengthening Youth Movements and Advocacy Groups
Organizations such as the Not Too Young to Run movement have demonstrated the power of collective action. Young people should build and support more platforms advocating for their political inclusion.

Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
By achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship and business development, young people can reduce their reliance on political godfathers and finance their own political ambitions.

Leveraging Technology and Social Media
Digital platforms are powerful tools for political mobilization, advocacy, and engagement. Nigerian youths have successfully used social media to influence governance, as seen during the #EndSARS protests. This energy should be channeled toward sustainable political change.

Demanding Policy Reforms
Advocating for policies that promote youth inclusion in governance—such as lowering the cost of political participation and ensuring fair electoral practices—remains crucial.

Voices on Youth Leadership and Change
Many influential figures have emphasized the necessity of youth leadership:

Barack Obama: “The world is changing, but progress depends on young people who are determined to make a difference.”

Malala Yousafzai: “Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

Nelson Mandela: “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Kwame Nkrumah: “Africa needs a new kind of citizen, a dedicated, modest, honest, informed man. A man who submerges self in service to the nation and mankind.”

A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Youth
The notion that young people are the leaders of tomorrow must transcend rhetoric and become a reality. While significant barriers exist, Nigerian youth possess the potential, creativity, and resilience to lead their country into a new era. The examples of young leaders across the globe prove that youth leadership is not an aspiration but a necessity.

Nigeria must break away from the cycle of recycled leadership and embrace a future where young voices shape the nation’s destiny. The time for change is not in some distant future—it is now. Nigeria’s young generation must rise, organize, and demand their rightful place in the corridors of power. Only through active engagement, persistent advocacy, and fearless ambition can the promise of youth leadership finally be fulfilled.

EMIR OF BIU CONFERRED TRADITIONAL TITTLE ON MAJOR GENERAL BULAMA BIU mni (Rtd)

His Royal Highness Alh (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu II CON, the Emir of Biu elogised the great contributions of Major General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) in the promotion and sustenance of security in Biu Emirate, Borno State and Nigeria in general.

The Emir descibed Gen Bulama Biu as a true and worthy patrotic son of the Emirate. He recalled the bold steps exhibited by General Bulama in fighting BokoHaram across the state, a situation that greatly brought about peace and security. “The people of Biu Emirate are proud of you as a very distinguished professional soldier.”

In appreciation thereof, His Royal Highness has conferred on General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) the traditional tittle of SARKIN YAKI BIU EMIRATE. It is hoped that General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) would bring to bear his wealth of experience in the defense and security of Biu Emirate, Borno State, and Nigeria at large. Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador,His Excellency Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR the Betara Biu commended His Royal Highness the Emir of Biu for finding General Bulama Biu worthy of the tittle, stating that General Bulama Biu roles in fighting Boko Haram and other professional military engagements will not be forgotten soon.

He described Gen Bulama Biu as an astute soldier who was quick to consolidate on his military background, being a son of a very distinguished, outstanding and higly regimental military trainer, the first NDA Regimental Sergent Major, late Major Bulama Biu MON. I remain proud of General Bulama Biu, especially his stewardship as then GOC 7Division and Commander Sector 3 MNJTF. Iam confident that Gen Biu will discharge his responsibility with all sense of commitment. Gen Buratai thanked the Birma of Biu, other Kingmakers, and the good people of Biu Emirate for applauding the good decision of His Royal Highness. In the same vien, the Borno state Deputy Governor His Excellency

Alh Umar Usman Kadafur rejoices with the Emir in conferring a title welldeserved on General Bulama Biu, who has undoubtedly represented well the good people of Biu Emirate. In words, ” we are all living witness to how General Bulama Biu displayed high level of military dexterity in fighting BokoHaram. He was a fairless, pragmatic, and highly professional who enjoyed good followership of his troop and other security organizations in Borno state, especially the civilian JTF and Hunters. He was always in the bush and never got tired. I heartly congratulate and wish him great success. The traditional turbanning ceremony is slated for a date to be announced.

Senator Jibrin Barau:
Why He is North West’s Most Important Political Force by Tayo Williams

_“Senator Jibrin is a steady and stabilising force in the Senate and beyond. He is blessed with the moral authority and rare ability to put an issue on the national agenda that wouldn’t naturally be there. Although he may not be getting the desired coverage or recognition for his legislative, political, and social interventions, the deputy senate president has mastered the art of being relevant in the centre and indispensable at home.”_

The Northwest, Nigeria’s most populous geopolitical zone with over 22 million registered voters, is the coveted ‘bride’ for all presidential aspirants. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, three states in the region – Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina – rank among the top 10 in the list of states with the highest number of registered voters. Kano State, number two on the list behind Lagos, has 5,921,370 registered voters. Kaduna and Katsina have 4,335,208 and 3,516,719 registered voters respectively. The closest to it is the southwest with about 18million registered voters.

The gulf is, indeed, wide and almost unassailable.

During the last presidential election, the northwest gave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2.7 million votes – the highest by any region. Even in the southwest, Tinubu’s traditional political base, he could only poll 2,279,407 votes. From the five southeast states, he got a measly 127,605 votes and did not score 25 percent in any of them. The South-South’s 799,957 votes contributed nine percent to the APC’s total votes.

Though it is still early in the day, sustaining influence and popularity in the northwest will be critical to the survival of the APC in the next electoral cycle. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Katsina native, is the singular most formidable political figure from the region. However, his legendary aloofness to party politics is a deal-breaker. And after serving out his two-term presidency, he has been ‘far from the madding crowd’ of party nay Nigerian politics. Though he still has a cult following in the north, his reluctance to participate in any electioneering will not help the party.

Conversely, Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, would have been the natural successor to Buhari’s political leadership in the region. However, the fractious El-Rufai has left the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Social Democratic Party. Kano State, with the highest number of registered votes behind Lagos, is a major battleground considering the popularity of the Rabiu Kwankwaso-led NNPP, which inflicted considerable damage on the APC in the last elections.
This is where Senator Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, comes in.

Senator Jibrin is the highest-ranking APC Senator in the North-West region. An understated force of nature with admirable charisma and eloquence, Barau has been in the National Assembly since the dawn of the Fourth Republic starting as a member of the House of Representatives representing the good people of Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State from 1999 to 2003.

A thoroughbred, successful accountant, he chaired the Appropriations Committee and served as a member of others. After his first legislative odyssey, Jibrin returned to his private practice, but not for long, as he was tapped to serve as chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd and, later, Commissioner of Science and Technology. He is a foundation member of the APC on which platform he contested and won the Kano North Senatorial District seat in 2015. This is his third term as a senator, and he was the only APC senator in 2023 from Kano, as the other two seats were won by the NNPP, a testament to his formidable political acumen and grassroots appeal. But for political expediency, he would have been the Senate president.

Having won the Kano North senatorial seat three consecutive times, there is no controverting that Jibrin has excelled as a legislator and, therefore, comes well-acquitted to help the APC reclaim Kano, and provide the leadership crucial for the success of the party in the region. Indeed, the president needs not to look far for who to lead the charge in the northwest; that is a role that has naturally fallen on the lap of Senator Jibrin.

Cerebral and controversy-free, Senator Jibrin is a steady and stabilising force in the Senate and beyond. He is blessed with the moral authority and rare ability to put an issue on the national agenda that wouldn’t naturally be there. Although he may not be getting the desired coverage or recognition for his legislative, political, and social interventions, the deputy senate president has mastered the art of being relevant in the centre and indispensable at home.

Assertive, but never abrasive, Jibrin is a man whose thinking has often proved to be ahead of the curve. He was the brain behind the North West Development Commission to address gaps in infrastructural development in the region, which has now been replicated in other regions. He also supported and sponsored a bill to build the Federal University of Education Technology in Bichi, Kano State, and the Federal Polytechnic Kabo, where his father was born.

While other politicians are engaged in a never-ending race to amass riches to guarantee eternally their obscene residence in their snug life of luxury and privilege, Senator Jibrin strives to spread joy daily among kith and kin, and the next needy family on the block. Evidence of his amazing compassion and superior culture of philanthropy abound everywhere in the region whether in education, agriculture, health, and youth empowerment. He is there when the people need him.

The ranking senator recognises the role that fate has inadvertently thrust upon him and he has been playing the part pretty well by reaching out to opposition politicians and convincing them that the APC needs them. Recently, he hosted a strategic meeting with the former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and other NNPP stalwarts, including the former Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Muhammad Diggol, in his Abuja residence.

Jibrin said, “We had fruitful discussions with them on the development of our dear state and the country. The development of our state and the country is always at the top of our agenda. We will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to advance our state and the nation. Let’s do it together to better the lots of our people.” For him, it is about Kano and Nigeria, not any self-serving purpose.

Indeed, there is no clear-cut path to greatness in politics. It requires a special kind of talent that is rare in today’s politicians, but which Senator Jibrin embodies in large quantity. For the APC to make any headway in the northwest in the next general election, it would need, most importantly, Senator Jibrin, leading the charge.

_*-Williams is a Lagos-based media executive*_