By Ayomide Otitoju
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a structured and institutionalised approach to youth leadership development, stressing the need to build systems that prepare young Nigerians for governance and national transformation.
He made the call at the 2026 Abuja Dialogue held at the State House Banquet Hall, an event organised by the Office of the Vice President and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.
The summit, themed “Scaling Excellence: Youth Leadership as Strategic Infrastructure for National Transformation,” brought together government officials, youth leaders, development experts, and stakeholders from across the country.
Also speaking at the event, Kashim Shettima emphasised the need for a deliberate and sustained pipeline for grooming young leaders, noting that leadership development must go beyond symbolic inclusion.
He warned that failure to invest in structured leadership development for young people could weaken institutions and undermine national progress, stressing that future leaders must be equipped with the skills, discipline, and ethical grounding required for governance.
Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, said youth inclusion in leadership is no longer debatable, urging leaders to focus on building the institutional frameworks necessary to harness the potential of Nigeria’s young population.
He noted that the Lagos State Government has prioritised youth development through targeted policies and programmes, describing investment in human capital as critical to long-term national growth.
According to the governor, initiatives such as the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy are designed to bridge gaps in the leadership ecosystem by providing young people with hands-on public sector experience, mentorship, and policy exposure.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, alongside various youth groups and stakeholders, also participated in the dialogue, which examined factors influencing youth engagement in leadership.
In her remarks, the Academy’s Executive Secretary, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the forum was convened to address challenges hindering youth leadership transition and to promote structured pathways for integrating young people into governance.
Participants at the summit underscored the importance of mentorship, institutional support, and practical experience in preparing the next generation of leaders, noting that leadership development is a continuous process requiring deliberate investment and collaboration across sectors.
