Nigeria stands at a critical point in her history. Our challenges: poor governance, weak productivity, rising unemployment, insecurity, and slow innovation, are no longer new. What is new is the growing realization that the old ways of politicking can no longer deliver the future dividends we desire. This is why Youth-O’clock is not a slogan; it is a necessity.
Across the world, young people are proving that leadership is not about age, but about ideas, energy, integrity, and vision. Youth involvement in national development, especially through active participation in politics, governance, and decision-making, is now the most realistic pathway to a more inclusive, productive, and innovative Nigeria.
WHY YOUTH MUST BE AT THE CENTRE OF GOVERNANCE
Young people make up the majority of Nigeria’s population. They are the most affected by bad policies and the most invested in the future. Yet, they remain the most excluded from real power. When youths are absent from decision-making tables, policies become disconnected from reality, outdated, unrealistic, and often harmful.
Youth participation brings fresh thinking, digital skills, global awareness, and a strong desire for accountability. Young leaders are more likely to understand modern economies, technology-driven solutions, climate challenges, and the aspirations of a fast-changing society. A nation that sidelines its youth is a nation that deliberately slows its own progress.
GLOBAL EXAMPLES OF YOUTH-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
Around the world, younger leaders have shown what is possible when leadership is driven by competence and vision rather than long years in power.
In France, Emmanuel Macron became president in his late 30s and introduced bold economic and administrative reforms. In Finland, Sanna Marin led her country as one of the youngest prime ministers in the world, strengthening social systems and public trust in government. Estonia, under youthful leadership, has become a global model for digital governance and innovation. In New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, while in office, showed empathy-driven leadership and clear communication during national crises.
These examples show that youth leadership is not reckless or inexperienced, as some claim. Instead, it is often strategic, people-focused, and forward-looking.
THE NIGERIAN REALITY: LEADERSHIP WITHOUT IMPACT
Sadly, Nigeria’s political space is still dominated by leaders who have held power for decades with little or no positive impact to show. Many of these leaders recycle the same failed ideas, resist reform, and treat public office as personal property rather than public trust.
Their policies often ignore today’s realities: digital economies, youth unemployment, education reform, and innovation. The result is stagnation, deepening poverty, rising frustration among young people, and a gradual weakening of national unity. Instead of moving Nigeria forward, some long-serving leaders have contributed to division, loss of hope, and institutional decay.
THE URGENT NEED FOR CHANGE IN THE SOUTHEAST
Nowhere is this change more urgent than in the Southeast. Despite having some of the most industrious, educated and innovative youths in Nigeria, the region remains under-represented by young voices in the all political, elective and leadership positions.
As we approach the 2027 general elections, the Southeast must deliberately choose a new path. We must replace politics of age and entitlement with politics of ideas, competence and service. Younger politicians with integrity, capacity, and community support must be encouraged, supported, and voted into office.
This is not a call for disrespect to elders, but a call for balance, renewal and relevance. Leadership must reflect the present and prepare for the future.
A CALL TO ACTION
SEYDGLE calls on Nigerians, especially voters, political parties, traditional institutions, and civil society, to look seriously in the direction of youth inclusion when making decisions about our political future. Youths must not only vote, they must run, lead, and decide.
Youth-O’clock means giving the Youths – the future – a seat at the table today. It means choosing innovation over stagnation, productivity over excuses, and hope over fear.
Nigeria can still rise. But to change our political trajectory and build a truly inclusive, productive, and innovative nation, we must trust our youths and allow them to lead. The time is now!
*Ijeoma Chidi-Nwosu is the Executive Secretary, Southeast Youths for Development and Good Leadership (SEYDGLE)*
