The Presidency, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, will on Monday host the maiden Abuja Dialogue on youth leadership development, aimed at institutionalising a structured and sustainable pipeline for grooming future leaders.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, seeks to shift national focus from rhetorical commitments to youth inclusion toward a coordinated, results-driven framework for leadership development.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the dialogue would place youth leadership at the centre of national discourse, with emphasis on translating the potential of young Nigerians into functional capacity within governance systems.

He noted that the engagement—positioned as a precursor to the Lagos Leadership Summit—is themed “Scaling Excellence: Youth Leadership as Strategic Infrastructure for National Transformation.” It will bring together stakeholders from government, the private sector, development institutions, and the youth community.

According to him, while inclusion provides access, preparation ultimately determines whether young people can contribute meaningfully in systems that demand competence, discipline, and accountability.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, described the dialogue as a strategic platform to drive a paradigm shift that recognises youth leadership development as critical national infrastructure.

She stressed the need for Nigeria to invest in its young population with the same urgency accorded to physical infrastructure, warning that sustainable development depends on building a capable and well-prepared leadership base.

Agbaje-Okunade said the Academy—established under Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—is already demonstrating the impact of structured investment through leadership training, mentorship, and practical exposure for young Nigerians.

She added that collaboration with the Office of the Vice President reflects growing national alignment and presents an opportunity to scale such initiatives across the country.

On his part, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile, underscored the importance of sustained political will in advancing youth-focused programmes.

He said Lagos State has consistently prioritised youth empowerment through targeted initiatives such as the Leadership Academy, which he described as a pipeline for grooming the next generation of leaders.

Akosile noted that the Abuja Dialogue would further elevate youth development into a national priority, stressing the need for deliberate inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.

Fielding questions, stakeholders expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield actionable outcomes, including frameworks for institutionalising youth leadership development and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.

The event is expected to convene governors, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to chart a strategic pathway for building a competent, future-ready leadership pipeline for Nigeria.