By Chidinma Obiakor
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has charged Nigerian Youths that, courage, strategic thinking, and competence define enduring leadership, hence the need for them to remain committed to lifelong learning of leadership skills to move the nation forward.
He stated this in an address when he received a delegation from ‘Bridge Leadership Foundation’ on a courtesy in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
The visiting delegation were graduates of a six month intensive leadership training program for Nigerian youths conducted by the Foundation.
According to him, as emerging leaders, they must understand that influence is earned, not inherited adding that, true leadership is measured by one’s ability to translate ideas into action, to negotiate across differences without compromising principle, and to ensure that policies achieve tangible results.
He said, “It is tested in the chamber, the committee room, and in every encounter with the citizenry. Your credibility as a leader will be judged not by ambition alone, but by preparation, wisdom, and the impact you create.
“Leadership, my friends, is not a ceremonial title. It is the art of service, the practice of wisdom, and the courage to act in the face of uncertainty. It is tested in moments of decision, not in moments of applause. As a lawyer and a parliamentarian, I have come to understand that the power to legislate carries
with it an obligation to be measured, principled, and relentless in pursuit of justice.
“And so, understanding the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership, we
must now confront the reality before us that demands courage, clarity, and the engagement of Nigeria’s greatest asset: its youth”.
He added that, Nigerian youths have a great stakes in Nigeria’s democracy and leadership sphere because Nigeria has a remarkably young population.
The Deputy Speaker said, “According to the NBS, nearly 70% of our population is under 35. Globally, youth number almost 1.8 billion and in Africa, over 60% are under 25. Yet, despite this demographic dividend, youth remain underrepresented in governance: in the 10th National Assembly, fewer than 4% of seats are held by Nigerians under 35 (INEC, 2023). Less than 1% of elected positions in Nigeria are held by young people (NILDS).This gap is a call to action, our generation must lead with courage, competence, and integrity. The future cannot wait”.
According to him, since its inauguration, the 10th House of Representatives has prioritised youth inclusion as a central legislative focus.
He added, “The House has sponsored and advanced key bills aimed at empowering young Nigerians, including proposals to; Facilitate easier access to political office for youth, building on the Not Too Young To Run Act by strengthening party nomination processes and reducing structural barriers.
“Enhance youth participation in governance through institutionalised mentorship programmes, internship placements, and inclusion in committee hearings;Support skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives, linking legislative oversight to programmes that increase youth economic participation.
“At the same time, the federal government’s policies are aligning to complement these legislative efforts, under programmes such as the National Youth Investment Fund, National Youth Service enhancements, and targeted empowerment schemes.
“Also, the Federal Government has committed to a 30% youth‑inclusion target in governance. These measures signal a deliberate shift toward integrating young Nigerians into governance, decision-making, and national development”.
“In my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I remind you that constitutional reform is not a theoretical exercise, it is the architecture of our democracy and scaffolding of our institutions. Our Committee has developed a compendium of 86 bills in 13 thematic areas, including governance, devolution, legislative oversight, and inclusive representation.
“This process invites you, the young leaders before me, to engage. Attend the zonal hearings, submit memoranda, advocate for youth voice and women’s leadership, ensure our laws mirror the nation as we are and not as we were.
“Our national reform agenda must advance three imperatives: representation that mirrors our population demographics; institutions that function with integrity and transparency; and governance that invites citizen participation rather than excludes it. That agenda is yours to carry”.
In his brief remark earlier, the Program Manager of the Foundation, who was a former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Senator Liyel Imoke noted that, Nigeria needs leaders who have all it takes to make decisions to tackle challenges hence the need to train Nigerian youths in leadership skills in order to take their rightful place.
He informed that, the trainees were carefully selected from across 32 States of the Federation adding that, 25 out of the hundreds of applicants were picked and trained.
According to him, the trained youths have demonstrated their innante abilities to use their talents and shape their decision making and other skills needed in leadership.
Speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Agenda, Hon. Cyril Hart said that, self development by Nigerian youths is key to enable them take the mantle of leadership and contribute positively to the development of the country.
He noted that, Nigerian youths were endowed with all the needed talents and only need support and push to utilize them to their fullest.
Similarly, Hon. Billy Osawaru advised the youths to utilize their God’s given talent to help move the country forward saying that, the journey to greatness starts from when youths decide to make a difference and take the gauntlet and surmount all hurdles.
