The Federal Government, yesterday, called for a deliberate and forward-looking framework for youth leadership development, stressing that Nigeria’s demographic advantage would remain meaningless without strategic institutional investment.
 
Speaking at the Abuja Dialogue 2026, convened by the Presidency in collaboration with the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that the country’s status as one of the youngest populations in the world must be treated as a critical governance priority rather than a rhetorical talking point.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s future would depend not merely on its natural resources or government programmes, but on the systems established to ensure leadership continuity and national development.
 
He described the dialogue as a timely platform for reflection, noting that governments globally are being compelled to respond more precisely to rapid changes in technology, economics and public expectations.

According to him, leadership in the modern era cannot be left to chance but must be cultivated through structured pathways that prepare young people for responsibility.
 
Shettima stressed that any meaningful framework must move beyond slogans to fundamentally reshape education, public service, enterprise and civic institutions.

He further underscored the importance of creating gradual pathways for young Nigerians to assume responsibility, noting that leadership matures through experience and accountability.
 
Addressing the youth directly, the Vice President said the present moment offers both an opportunity and a responsibility to actively shape the nation’s future.
 
He commended the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for convening the dialogue, describing it as a significant contribution to national efforts at leadership renewal.
 
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu said the event signals a strong commitment by the Federal Government to youth leadership development.
 
He explained that the academy serves as a talent incubator where young Nigerians are exposed to public sector experience, cross-sector learning, policy engagement and mentorship.
 
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stressed that youth leadership must be approached as a deliberate national priority rather than a symbolic gesture.
 
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the timing of the dialogue as apt, noting that Nigerian youths are ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.
 
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the dialogue underscores the need to elevate youth leadership development as a strategic pillar of governance and economic growth.