On October 30, 2025, the Nigerian National Merit Award House in Maitama, Abuja, will open its doors to eminent leaders, youth voices, and stakeholders determined to shape the future of our nation.
At a time when many young Nigerians feel disconnected from leadership and uncertain about their place in the country’s future, dialogue has become not just necessary but urgent. Leading this charge is Hon. Segun Olulade Eleniyan—two-term former member of the Lagos House of Assembly and now Executive Director of Customercentricity at Galaxy Backbone—whose vision is creating a platform where young people can speak, be heard, and be part of the nation’s transformation.
The United Nations’ World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) emphasizes that youth participation is essential for a just and inclusive transition in leadership. Across the globe, young people are stepping into conversations about artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change, and the human future. Yet Africa, despite having the world’s youngest population, still lags in ensuring youth engagement at the highest levels of leadership. For Nigeria—Africa’s largest democracy—this conversation cannot wait.
Too often, moments of civil disobedience and protest have erupted because the youth were sidelined. Many of these crises could have been avoided if young Nigerians had been given credible platforms to voice their concerns and contribute meaningfully to solutions. This National Discourse aims to change that narrative. Hon Olulade believes that the current government is listening and the space should be judiciously utilized by the youth.
On the agenda are issues that strike at the heart of Nigeria’s destiny: leadership, governance, political participation, national security, rights of the people, and entrepreneurship development. The event is drawing the attention of the Hon. Minister of Education, the Hon. Minister of Communication, distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, development partners, and major corporate stakeholders. More than a dialogue, this gathering is set to launch a national project—a center point for youth and stakeholders to engage constructively.
At the core of it all is one man’s belief: that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but vital players today. If more leaders shared this conviction, our young people would have greater confidence in the future, stronger connections to government, and a path toward building the nation through dialogue rather than conflict.
Registration opens soon for this hybrid event, hosted physically in Abuja and virtually across the nation. Join the conversation. Be part of the movement. The future is too important to leave to chance—this is the moment to shape it.
Abiola Hamid
Director, Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation
One Response
I am fully ready!!!!