The Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Policy and Strategy, Barr. Chimdi Neliaku, tasked members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to embrace self-empowerment, volunteerism and excellence as essential tools for personal growth and societal impact.

The policy adviser noted that excellence remains one of the most effective ways for young people to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.

Neliaku disclosed this in Abuja, while receiving members of the YALI on a courtesy visit under the YALI Abuja 10-for-10 Legacy Mentorship Programme, an eight-week leadership fellowship designed to connect emerging leaders with accomplished professionals across key sectors.

The programme, which covers Civic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Public Management, Media, and Agriculture, seeks to move beyond conventional mentorship sessions by exposing participants to real-world leadership environments and practical governance experiences.

Neliaku encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of available opportunities regardless of their circumstances, stressing that meaningful impact often begins with small steps.

She said: “Try to do something that anybody can do. If you cannot identify an organisation or individual to volunteer with, find something within your capacity. It may only cost your transport fare, but there is always something you can do.

“For me, it all starts with the can-do spirit. If you are already defeated in your mind, that is the end; you have already lost. But if you believe you can always make something out of nothing and create value anywhere, then opportunities will come.”

Drawing from his personal experience, Neliaku disclosed that. She ventured into business while still in secondary school, engaging in baking and selling cakes, among other entrepreneurial activities.

She advised youths to develop a clear vision for their future and remain steadfast in pursuing their goals.

Neliaku further stressed that advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence and internet-based learning platforms, have made skills acquisition more accessible than ever before.

She added, “The skills are not difficult to find. AI and the internet have democratized information. You can learn almost anything today. Anyone who lacks certain skills often faces a mindset challenge rather than an access challenge. There are platforms that allow you to learn what you need to know, you just have to be committed.

“Have that can-do spirit and you will discover that opportunities are everywhere. I see life as a simulation; what you make out of it depends largely on what you choose to do with it. If you approach life with determination and purpose, you can achieve remarkable things.”

The visit formed part of the Leadership Exposure and strategic engagement series, an initiative championed by YALI mentor and former YALI Abuja Coordinator, Moyosoluwa Oladayo, to provide mentees with direct access to policymakers, senior government officials, media practitioners and development experts.

Speaking at the event, YALI Abuja Coordinator, Utibe-Abasi Udotong, described the mentorship initiative as a transformative platform that is expanding opportunities for young leaders across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

According to Udotong, Oladayo has gone beyond traditional mentoring by helping participants build strategic relationships and professional networks that can shape their future careers.

He said: “I am always eager to see people grow. In fact, my greatest joy comes from seeing others develop and succeed. I am very grateful to our leader, Moyo, a former coordinator of the YALI Network, for making this initiative possible.

“She has not only guided her mentee and shown her the ropes but has also gone beyond sharing knowledge and wisdom by helping her build valuable relationships and networks.”

He noted that one of the highlights of the programme was the opportunity for the mentee to engage directly with Neliaku, whom he described as one of the most outstanding women serving in the legislature.

Udotong also highlighted the broader impact of the YALI Network Abuja Chapter over the past decade, noting that the organisation has empowered thousands of young people through mentorship, internships, leadership training, and community development initiatives.

He disclosed that the chapter recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and is currently implementing a mentorship programme targeting 30 beneficiaries across three cohorts.

He added, “We currently have an ongoing mentorship initiative benefiting 10 YALI members. By God’s grace, we will have three cohorts, which means 30 YALI members will benefit from the programme.

“Some YALI members are currently working with different companies as a direct result of opportunities created through YALI. Last year, several members also secured placements with companies through the network.”

Beyond mentorship and employment initiatives, Ufotong said the network has continued to impact communities through health outreach programmes and other development-focused interventions, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development in Nigeria.