Nigeria Needs Competent, Ethical Young Leaders, Says HAVEK Leadership Academy

Nigeria Needs Competent, Ethical Young Leaders, Says HAVEK Leadership Academy

 

LAGOS — Nigeria needs a new generation of competent, ethical and purpose-driven young leaders who are adequately prepared to take responsibility for the country’s development, the HAVEK Leadership Academy has said.

 

The Academy made the call in a statement issued by its General Manager, Mr. Taiwo Bakare, to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, observed globally on Wednesday, August 12, under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

 

According to HAVEK, the occasion provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the creativity, resilience and contributions of young people but also to reflect on the responsibilities required to prepare them for leadership and national development.

 

The Academy stressed that Nigeria does not simply need young people waiting to occupy leadership positions but youths who are deliberately preparing themselves to lead responsibly.

 

It noted that leadership should not be measured by age, political position, public visibility or the possession of authority, but by competence, character, discipline, courage, accountability, service and the ability to provide practical solutions to societal challenges.

 

Bakare said the future of Nigeria would largely depend on the knowledge, values, skills and decisions of its young people.

 

“Nigeria needs a generation of young people who will not only ask what the country can do for them, but who are prepared to ask what they can contribute to building a better country.

 

“We need young Nigerians who are intellectually equipped, professionally competent, morally grounded, and courageous enough to provide solutions to the challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

 

The Academy said youth development must move beyond speeches and slogans to deliberate investment in the capacity, character and leadership competence of young Nigerians.

 

It urged young people to acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills, develop critical-thinking abilities, embrace technology and innovation, cultivate strong work ethics and understand the importance of patience, discipline and continuous learning.

 

HAVEK also warned that leadership without character could become a liability to society, stressing that Nigeria needs young leaders who would reject corruption, dishonesty, indiscipline, intolerance and the culture of shortcuts.

 

The Academy said such values were essential across different sectors, including politics, business, education, public service, entrepreneurship, community development and technology.

 

It maintained that young professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, public servants, community leaders and innovators must understand that leadership is fundamentally about responsibility and service to humanity.

 

The Academy also called on parents, educational institutions, governments, businesses and civil society organisations to create more meaningful platforms for young Nigerians to learn, innovate, serve and participate constructively in national development.

 

According to HAVEK, youth empowerment should not be restricted to financial interventions, noting that sustainable empowerment must include quality education, leadership development, mentorship, employability skills, entrepreneurship, digital competence, civic responsibility and meaningful participation in decision-making.

 

The organisation further noted that Nigeria’s large youth population could become one of the country’s greatest assets if properly educated, equipped and guided.

 

It urged stakeholders to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents and transform their aspirations into practical contributions to society.

 

The Academy called on Nigerian youths to make continuous learning, critical thinking, hard work, responsible leadership, innovation and selfless service integral parts of their personal development.

 

It said the future should not be something young people merely wait to inherit but something they should begin preparing to build through their choices, actions and commitment to national development.

 

HAVEK Leadership Academy reaffirmed its commitment to developing young people with the knowledge, skills, values and leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria and the global community.

 

The Academy concluded its message with a call for a renewed commitment to youth development, declaring: “Nigeria needs strong minds. Nigeria needs capable hands. Nigeria needs people of character. Nigeria needs young leaders prepared to serve. The time to prepare them is now.”

 

The statement was signed by Bakare, General Manager, HAVEK Leadership Academy.

 

 

Nigeria Needs Competent, Ethical Young Leaders, Says HAVEK Leadership Academy