In a powerful convergence of Nigeria’s foremost thought leaders, a clear and urgent mandate was issued: the country’s future hinges not on its established elites, but on the organized, sustained civic action of its youth. This call to action, delivered at the 15th anniversary of the civil society organization Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) in Lagos, moves beyond inspirational platitudes to outline a concrete pathway for national renewal.
The event, themed “Footprints and Frontlines,” served as both a reflection on decades of citizen-led struggle and a strategic briefing for the next generation. The consensus was unambiguous—with 70% of the population under 30, Nigeria’s demographic reality presents an unprecedented lever for change, but only if wielded with purpose and persistence.
The Blueprint for Youth-Led Change
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, set the tone with a virtual keynote that reframed youth power. She reiterated her 2010 charge: “Do not wait and watch. Do not ask for permission. Get up, organise and make a difference.” However, she expanded this call with critical context. The influence of Nigeria’s youth bulge is a double-edged sword; it can drive transformative progress or exacerbate existing instability. Okonjo-Iweala pointed to systemic barriers like unemployment and poor access to capital not merely as challenges to bemoan, but as specific policy fronts where organized youth advocacy must apply pressure. She highlighted EiE’s “Office of the Citizen” initiative as a practical model, demonstrating how localized, community-based monitoring of public services can translate civic pressure into tangible improvements in governance.
Confronting the Root Causes of Stagnation
The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Mohammad Sanusi II, delivered a stark diagnosis of Nigeria’s cyclical failures. He identified the core pathology: the pervasive treatment of public office as personal property, a practice that has led the nation to repeatedly “miss development opportunities.” His solution was a radical shift in civic consciousness. Rebuilding, he argued, requires a “shared national vision that transcends ethnicity, religion and political interest.” This is a direct challenge to the youth to build alliances and narratives based on common citizenship rather than divisive identities—a foundational step for any sustainable reform movement.
The Unending Work of Justice
Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto provided the moral and philosophical underpinning for the long haul. By stating, “The journey to justice and fairness has no finish line,” he prepared young activists for the reality that civic engagement is a marathon, not a sprint. His call to “remain relentless” underscores the need for resilience against the inevitable fatigue and pushback that accompanies the struggle for an equitable society.
From Individual Success to Collective Survival
A critical thread woven through the speeches was the rejection of individual detachment. Former Minister Omobola Johnson emphasized that nation-building requires the contribution of “time, talents and treasures” from all citizens. EiE’s outgoing Executive Director, Yemi Adamolekun, framed this even more starkly: “Whatever industry we work in, if Nigeria becomes a failed state, we will all suffer.” This dismantles the illusion that personal professional success can be insulated from systemic national failure. Her warning that “evil is amplified when good people stay silent” served as a potent reminder that inaction is itself a consequential choice.
Passing the Torch: Symbols of a New Chapter
The event was not merely talk. It operationalized the theme of renewal by announcing 36-year-old Mrs. Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh as EiE’s new Executive Director—a symbolic and practical transfer of responsibility to a younger leader. The relaunch of the anthology Footprints: Past, Present, Future and the premiere of the short film One Voice, Many Echoes connected past struggles—from the 1993 election annulment protests to the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations—to present-day efforts. This curated history provides the incoming generation with a crucial lineage, showing that today’s activism stands on the shoulders of past courage.
The Path Forward: From Call to Action to Sustained Strategy
The collective message from Lagos is a sophisticated playbook for Nigeria’s youth. It combines demographic strategy (organize your numbers), specific policy targets (unemployment, capital access, service delivery), a unifying narrative (a shared national vision), moral fortitude (relentless pursuit of justice), and a rejection of complacency (silence is not an option). The challenge now is to move from this powerful symposium to decentralized, sustained action. As the leaders asserted, the power to define Nigeria’s future has been placed squarely in the hands of its young citizens. The question remains whether that power will be exercised with the courage, organization, and persistence the moment demands.
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
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