The Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul Hamid Ozohu-Suleiman, has urged youths in the South-South region to look beyond oil.
He said they should harness the enormous potential in agriculture, fishing, maritime transportation, logistics, technology, tourism, manufacturing, creative industries and entrepreneurship.
The don gave the advice at the Youth Leaders’ Clinic for the South-South Zone, held in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, with students from more than 10 secondary schools in attendance.
Ozohu-Suleiman said the clinic was designed to equip emerging leaders, particularly secondary school prefects, with the knowledge, mindset and skills needed to lead effectively in their schools, communities and beyond.
He said Nigeria needed young people who could transform ideas into businesses, knowledge into innovation and leadership into service.
“We need young people who can look at agriculture and see opportunities for agribusiness. We need young people who can look at waterways and see opportunities in maritime transportation, fishing and tourism. We need young people who can look at technology and see opportunities for innovation and employment.
“We need young people who can look at community challenges and develop practical solutions. Above all, we need young people who understand that natural resources alone do not develop societies. People with vision, competence, integrity and responsible leadership do,” he said.
The director urged young leaders in the South-South to develop the capacity not only to identify the challenges facing the region but also to design practical solutions to them.
He noted that the South-South had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy and was endowed with natural resources and human potential capable of driving entrepreneurship, technological advancement and innovation.
“Our young people in the South-South have a significant responsibility. You come from a region that has contributed enormously to Nigeria’s economy. You come from communities blessed with natural resources and human potential, and you live in an environment where entrepreneurship, technology and innovation can create new opportunities.
“The question before you is: what will you do with these opportunities? Will you simply wait for opportunities to come to you, or will you develop the capacity to create opportunities for yourselves and others?” he asked.
Ozohu-Suleiman reiterated the need for young people to develop innovative ideas and use their knowledge and leadership skills to address societal challenges.
“As representatives of the University of Abuja and the Abuja Leadership Centre, we believe that investing in youth leadership is investing in the future prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Emmanuel Osilama, described the gathering as a deliberate investment in the future of the youths and the nation.
Osilama said the Abuja Leadership Centre Youth Leaders’ Clinic was an empowerment initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical leadership.
He added that the initiative sought to inspire young people, build their confidence, strengthen their leadership capacity and equip them with the values, skills and mindset required to become responsible citizens and effective leaders.
“We recognise that the future of any society depends largely on the quality of its young people.
“However, young people need more than certificates and academic qualifications. They need mentorship, exposure, practical skills, ethical values and opportunities to discover and develop their potential.
“This is where the Youth Clinic becomes especially important. Through meaningful engagement, mentorship, leadership education and interaction with experienced professionals and public office holders, we aim to prepare our youths to become problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, community builders and responsible leaders,” he said.
