By Victor Cletus

Leaders call for capacity, integrity and greater youth participation in governance and nation-building at IIYM conference

Young Nigerians have been challenged to take greater responsibility for the future of the country by building their leadership capacity, strengthening their character and actively participating in governance, enterprise and national development.

The call was made at the 9th Impact Leadership Conference & Awards 2026, organised by the Impact Initiative for Youth Mentorship (IIYM) on October 3 at Oriental Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme, “Reimagining Nigeria: Youth Leadership, Governance and National Greatness.”

Delivering the keynote address, veteran journalist and media entrepreneur Chief Dele Momodu urged young Nigerians not to allow age, setbacks or the challenges of the political environment to discourage them from aspiring to leadership.

“It does not matter whether you are old or young. If you have the capacity to run, please run.”

Momodu said opportunities for young people to make an impact were not limited to politics but extended to business, technology, agriculture and other sectors, stressing that capacity, resilience and access to resources remained critical to success.

He identified funding as one of the major challenges confronting young entrepreneurs and professionals and commended IIYM for creating a platform focused on mentorship and the development of young people.

Renowned Pan-African scholar and Grand Patron of IIYM, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, who addressed the gathering virtually, commended the organisers, Victor Cletus Mfon and Betty Jobando, whom he described as his mentees.

Lumumba underscored the importance of sustained mentorship and leadership development in preparing young Africans to take responsibility for the continent’s future.

The Founder and Convener of IIYM, Victor Cletus Mfon, said the initiative was established to provide young people with access to mentorship, practical leadership lessons and opportunities that would equip them for positions of responsibility and influence.

Also speaking, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III challenged Nigerians to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future rather than waiting for change to come from elsewhere.

“We have to take our lives into our own hands. We have to do the right thing at the right time to shape Nigeria and put Nigeria on the pedestal of greatness.”

Guest speaker Amb. Emmy Kosgei Madubuko delivered a compelling message on purpose, leadership and personal responsibility, encouraging young people to identify their gifts, develop their abilities and deploy them for positive impact.

Her presentation resonated strongly with the young participants, with the organisers saying they continued to receive positive feedback from attendees who described her message as inspiring and impactful.

Dr. David Assogba stressed that attaining a position of influence was only one aspect of leadership, noting that character, integrity and competence were essential to sustaining influence and achieving meaningful results.

Guest speaker Toyin Bakare similarly challenged young Nigerians to recognise their individual responsibility in the development of the country.

“We are youth too. We have to do the right