The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on young Nigerians to adopt a more positive and proactive outlook in shaping the future of the country, especially as they play a pivotal role in nation-building.

The Agency made the call on Friday, during the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building session held in Lagos, where young leaders from across Nigeria gathered to discuss critical national issues.

The Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasised the importance of young Nigerians in driving change, stating that the future of the nation hinges on the youth’s ability to take up the mantle of leadership with integrity, responsibility and purpose.

“This initiative is not just another training session; it is a movement, a call to action for each of us to embrace our roles as custodians of national values, champions of leadership, and agents of positive change,” he said.

Issa-Onilu urged the youth to reflect on their roles in promoting values such as unity, integrity, accountability, and excellence. He stressed that the youth must see themselves as the key drivers of transformation in a country grappling with numerous challenges.

A clinical psychologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, who addressed the emotional challenges faced by young Nigerians, urged the youth to rethink their perspectives on the country’s challenges and focus on solutions, adapt to setbacks, and maintain hope for the future.

“Many of the emotional difficulties our youths face are tied to their perceptions of reality. If we can change the way we interpret the challenges around us, we can transform our emotions and behaviours,” he noted.

Okonkwo encouraged the youth to adopt a more optimistic view, reminding them that despite Nigeria’s struggles, the nation has much to be grateful for. The Programme Coordinator, Tolu Meduna, who spoke on the significance of the Join-the-Value-Train to Campus initiative, explained that it serves as a platform for young people to engage in critical dialogue about the country’s development.

“The largest demographic in Nigeria is our youths, and they are crucial to our future. We need to bring them to the table to offer new ideas for national progress,” Meduna said.

The debate, which brought participants from the southwest zones, highlighted the importance of striking a balance between government promises and citizens’ responsibilities.

At the end of the debate session, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) emerged as the winner with a sum of N5 million, while the University of Ibadan won N2 million.