By Ayomide Otitoju
Leaders across Nigeria have called for greater inclusion of young people in top governance roles, citing their energy, mental agility, and ability to meet the demands of leadership.
The call came on Thursday during a memorial lecture and leadership conference organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, Murtala Muhammed.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan led the advocacy, urging African nations to prioritise individuals aged 25 to 50 for top political offices. He highlighted the physical strength, mental sharpness, and endurance of younger leaders and called for further reduction of age barriers, building on Nigeria’s existing “Not Too Young to Run” reforms.
“The person we are celebrating today was head of state at 38. Obasanjo, when he took over, was also around 38. And when I look across, I see the youth corps, which is a legacy of General Yakubu Gowon at 32. So why do we begin to think we must be in our 100s before we can rule a country?” Jonathan said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on leadership succession in Africa, noting that one of Murtala Muhammed’s greatest achievements was creating a successor to continue his legacy. Obasanjo lamented that subsequent leaders, including himself, had struggled to do the same.
Ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo addressed leadership values and Africa’s emerging global influence, stating, “If coming of age means self-awareness, confidence of purpose, and the capacity to shape one’s destiny, then Africa is no longer emerging; it is in its moment.”
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido emphasised the need to restore dignity and pride to Africa. “The day Africans can hold their heads high as we did in 1975 and 1976, as equal human beings with every race and nation, and as a sovereign nation with the same rights as every other nation, that day we will have truly come of age,” he said.
Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, added, “Leadership has nothing to do with physical age but the age of your ideas. Yes, we respect our young people.”
Other speakers at the event highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and strengthening democratic institutions to ensure effective and sustainable leadership across the continent.
