An Article by Dr. Ruth Ngoka, 2025 EPLF Fellow
For decades, young people in Nigeria and across Africa have lamented the failures of governance, corruption, and the lack of opportunities. These frustrations are valid; a nation where talent is abundant but opportunities are scarce naturally produces discontent. Yet, history and wisdom remind us that complaints, no matter how loud, do not drive transformation. If the youth of today truly desire a society that works, then they must rise above rhetoric and embody a higher standard of leadership by doing the right thing first.
The Meaning of Leadership by Example
Leadership begins with example. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Nigeria’s youth population cannot afford to dwell in endless cycles of criticism without reflecting the very values they demand from those in authority; values such as honesty, discipline, and accountability. A young person who condemns corruption yet cheats in an examination, or litters the streets weakens the moral authority of youth demands. The saying “be the change that you wish to see in the world,” resonates more strongly than ever for Nigeria’s emerging generation.
Nigerian Youths Who Lead by Example
Nigerian youths are already setting examples worth emulating. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave, built fintech solutions that created jobs and inspired innovation, while Hamzat Lawal, through his “Follow the Money” campaign, has shown how accountability can reshape governance. These examples prove that when youths lead with responsibility, their influence extends beyond protests, compelling policymakers and inspiring collective action.
Lessons from Other African Nations
Across Africa, youths are driving change. In Rwanda, Umuganda community service has fostered discipline and made Kigali one of the continent’s cleanest cities. In Kenya, young people were central to the 2010 constitutional reforms through civic education and mobilization. These show that true national reform comes not from politicians’ words but from citizens’ everyday actions.
Moving from Complaints to Constructive Action
The challenge before Nigerian youths, therefore, is to move from complaints to constructive action. It is easy to condemn leaders on social media, but more powerful to demonstrate responsibility in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Leading by example can take the form of: Organizing community clean-ups; refusing to pay or demand bribes; showing up early to appointments; volunteering to mentor children in underserved communities. These acts may appear small, but replicated across millions of youths, they create a cultural shift that reshapes governance itself. Leadership begins in how we manage our personal lives and commitments. Character is power!
Conclusion: The Future Depends on Us
Nigeria’s future rests not on complaints but on consistent actions. Youth leadership, then, is not merely about occupying political office but about embodying integrity daily and inspiring others to do the same. A great Nigeria will not be built on excuses but on actions rooted in integrity, responsibility, and courage. And the time to begin is not tomorrow, but today.
Kindly note that these are all thoughts from our fellows.
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