The National Youth Alliance (NYA) has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of youth leaders from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. The event, is seen as a pivotal moment in empowering Nigerian youths to take an active role in shaping the nation’s future.
Aliyu Bin Abbas, NYA President, called for greater youth involvement in governance and gender inclusivity in leadership, stating, “We aim to ensure youth voices are heard, and women take their rightful place in leadership.”
During the ceremony, prominent figures, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Segun Sowunmi, urged young Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions, emphasizing that the nation’s future should be in the hands of its youth. Sowunmi criticized the recycling of older politicians, noting that Nigeria’s median age is just 18, and called for the youth to be positioned to influence the country’s direction. He expressed confidence in the NYA’s potential to reshape Nigeria’s political future under the leadership of Ambassador Abbas.
In a keynote address, Prof. Ahmed Adamu urged young Nigerians to embrace purposeful leadership and integrity, outlining a five-point value framework focused on service, value creation, rejection of money politics, investment in the future, and leadership driven by love.
Former FCT Minister, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, highlighted the importance of integrity, competence, and community-focused leadership. She pointed out that Nigeria often fails to produce its best leaders due to systems that reward mediocrity.
The event also marked the official unveiling of the NYA’s website, designed to aid in youth registration and nationwide mobilization. With a target to mobilize 60 million youths ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NYA remains non-partisan.