An expert on youth leadership and development, Engr Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, has expressed optimism about the potential of Nigerian youths to become great leaders in the future.
Yabo made this assertion at a leadership training organised by the Masters and Ph.D. Scholars of Abuja Leadership Centre, of University of Abuja/TETFUND for student leaders and prefects of some Secondary Schools in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Yabo, who is the Coordinator of Sokoto Zamfara Youth Leader’s Clinic, praised the potential of Nigerian youths in stepping into leadership roles, saying, “Today’s youth have what it takes to become better leaders of tomorrow.”
He reminded the youths of the numerous challenges that lie ahead of them
Yabo noted that the peculiarities of the region, including security concerns and socio-economic disparities, can make it even more difficult to effect change.
“As youth leaders, they will face numerous obstacles, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and societal expectations that often constrain your potential
“Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic about the impact that this Leadership Clinic can have on your lives and the lives of those you serve.
“Looking at the fact that youth are now in a digital era where everything is at their fingertips”, Yabo said.
He, however, charged the youths to identify themselves as agents of change, saying, “We are committed to supporting you in this critical role in line with one of the key cardinal objectives of the Abuja Leadership Centre.
Earlier, the Director of Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja, Professor Gabriel Ukertor Moti, noted that the University organised the leadership clinic to equip youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in society.
He said the training implemented in various states has been conceptualised in order to give back to the nation by grooming youth on how to become better leaders.
Moti said that Nigeria has suffered from leadership and governance, which necessitated the establishment of the Centre.
“We want to bridge the gap between the young and the old, so that they do not grow up and get unlinked from the elders, but they are also mentored and what we are doing today is part of the mentorship”, Moti said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who was represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, said it is high time for youth to recognise that they are the future leaders.
He notes with dismay how the present generation of youths has not laid a solid foundation for themselves in creating better leaders for tomorrow.
He said the present world is taken over by artificial intelligence and there is a need for the youth to create a niche for themselves.
The Sultan, however, implored the youth not to rely on white colour jobs as a means of livelihood.
Also speaking, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, who was represented by Dr Yakubu Sanusi Gusau, Provost, Zamfara State College of Arts and Science (ZACAS), Gusau said his administration is committed to all aspects of youth development including leadership skills.
He said education is paramount to youth development and that is why the state government is dedicated to improving the education sector.
The clinic which was held under the Abuja Leadership Center on Saturday in Sokoto was part of the University’s MSC and PHD’s students as part of their academic criteria.
The participants were drawn across secondary schools in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
