Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has challenged Nigerian youths to rise above the frustrations of poor governance and prepare themselves to lead the country’s transformation, insisting that Nigeria’s future rests on the emergence of leaders with integrity, competence and compassion.

Speaking at Madonna University, Okija Campus, during the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative themed “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders,” Obi said the quality of leadership remains the single most important factor determining whether a nation succeeds or fails.

Addressing students who raised concerns about corruption, unemployment and limited opportunities for young people, Obi acknowledged the growing frustration among Nigerian youths but urged them not to surrender to despair.
According to him, the country’s challenges can only be overcome by a new generation of leaders committed to service, accountability and the common good.

“Leadership is the greatest determinant of a nation’s progress,” Obi said. “A true leader must possess character, competence, capacity and compassion, and be willing to make sacrifices for the people.”
He argued that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who prioritise the protection of lives, investment in education, job creation and the strengthening of institutions capable of delivering sustainable development.’

The former governor encouraged the students to view themselves not as victims of the system but as active participants in shaping the country’s destiny through education, civic engagement and democratic participation.
He urged them to prepare for leadership by acquiring knowledge, building character and remaining committed to the values that drive national progress.

As part of his continued support for education and human capital development, Obi presented a cheque of ₦15 million to Madonna University to support the institution’s educational programmes.
He described investment in education as one of the most effective tools for unlocking Nigeria’s vast human potential and accelerating national development.

The donation, which was warmly received by the university community, underscored Obi’s longstanding advocacy for increased investment in education as a foundation for economic growth and social transformation.
Expressing confidence in the capacity of young Nigerians to change the nation’s trajectory, Obi said the dream of a prosperous and functional Nigeria remains achievable if the country succeeds in raising a generation of responsible, visionary and service-driven leaders.

“We can build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said, “but it begins with preparing today’s young people to become tomorrow’s leaders.”