In a world where youth are often seen as the leaders of tomorrow, Dr. Ken Giami, Founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Organisation, is challenging this outdated narrative. Speaking at the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) Leadership Summit, held via Zoom on August 23 and 24, 2024, Dr. Giami passionately emphasised that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today.
Dr Ken Giami, Founder Executive Chairman, African Leadership Organisation
Under the theme “Values, Leadership & Youth Participation in Nigeria: Our Shared Values & Common Goals,” Organisers of the two-day summit sought for and got Dr. Giami to address the critical role that young Nigerians must play in shaping the nation’s future. As the lead speaker, he underscored the importance of youth engagement in leadership and the pressing need for young people to assume their roles in society now.
The Power of Youthful Leadership
Dr. Giami began by recognising the energy, creativity, and resilience that characterise Nigerian youth. He argued that these qualities are not just potential attributes of future leaders; they are essential tools for leadership today. “The youth of Nigeria possess an unparalleled drive and a unique perspective that is desperately needed in today’s leadership landscape,” he declared. “Waiting for tomorrow is no longer an option. The time to lead is now.”
His words resonated with the attendees, many of whom were young professionals and students eager to make a difference in their communities. Dr. Giami’s message was clear: the challenges facing Nigeria today—ranging from economic instability to social unrest—require innovative solutions and bold actions that only the youth can provide.
Redefining Leadership
One of the key points of Dr. Giami’s speech was the need to redefine leadership in Nigeria. Traditionally, leadership has been seen as a role reserved for older, more experienced individuals, with the youth expected to wait their turn. However, Dr. Giami argued that this mindset is not only outdated but also detrimental to the nation’s progress.
“The idea that young people must wait for a future time to lead is a disservice to both the youth and the country,” Dr. Giami explained. “Leadership is not about age or experience; it’s about vision, passion, and the ability to inspire change. These are qualities that many young Nigerians already possess in abundance.”
He urged the youth to reject the notion that they are merely in a preparatory stage of life, waiting for the right moment to step into leadership roles. Instead, he encouraged them to see themselves as active participants in the nation’s development, with the power to influence and shape its future now.
Values and Leadership
Dr. Giami also emphasised the importance of values in leadership, stressing that the youth must anchor their leadership on a solid foundation of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the common good. “Leadership without values is like a ship without a compass,” he said. “It may move, but it will never reach its destination.”
He called on the youth to uphold values traditionally associated with good leadership—honesty, transparency, and service to others. However, he also challenged them to redefine these values in the context of contemporary Nigeria, where corruption, nepotism, and self-interest have often overshadowed true leadership.
“To lead effectively, you must be willing to stand for what is right, even when it’s not popular,” Dr. Giami asserted. “You must be the voice of integrity in a world that often values success over substance. This is the leadership that Nigeria needs today, and it’s the leadership that only you, the youth, can provide.”
Youth Participation
A significant portion of Dr. Giami’s speech focused on the need for increased youth participation in all sectors of society—politics, business, education, and civil society. He argued that the exclusion of young people from decision-making processes is one of the main reasons for the country’s stagnation in various areas.
“Young people are the most affected by the decisions made by those in power, yet they are often the least represented at the decision-making table,” Dr. Giami noted. “This must change. The youth must not only be included in the conversation; they must be the ones leading it.”
He encouraged the youth to take advantage of available opportunities, whether through entrepreneurship, activism, or community leadership. He also urged them to be proactive in seeking out leadership roles and to challenge the status quo that often limits their participation.
Overcoming Barriers to Youth Leadership
Dr. Giami acknowledged that significant barriers to youth leadership in Nigeria exist, including systemic challenges such as corruption, lack of access to education and resources, and cultural attitudes that dismiss the capabilities of young people. However, he emphasised that these challenges are not insurmountable.
“Yes, there are obstacles,” he said. “But every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. The key is to approach these challenges with determination and creativity. As young leaders, you must be willing to innovate, think outside the box, and forge new paths where none exist.”
He cited examples of young Nigerians who have overcome tremendous odds to succeed in various fields, from technology to politics. These individuals, he argued, are living proof that youth leadership is not only possible but essential for the country’s future.
The Role of Mentorship and Collaboration
Dr. Giami also discussed the importance of mentorship and collaboration in nurturing the next generation of leaders. He encouraged the youth to seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of leadership.
“Leadership is not a solo journey,” he said. “It requires the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before you, but it also requires the fresh ideas and energy of those who are walking with you. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and push you to be the best leader you can be.”
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among young leaders, urging them to work together to create a united front in face of the country’s challenges. “No one can do it alone,” he said. “But together, we can achieve great things. The power of the youth lies not just in individual leadership but in collective action.”
A Leading Today, Not Tomorrow
Dr. Giami concluded his speech with a powerful call to action, urging the youth to step up and take on the mantle of leadership today. He reminded them that the future of Nigeria is in their hands and that the choices they make today will determine the country’s direction for generations to come.
“The time to lead is not tomorrow; it is today,” he said. “Do not wait for someone to hand you the reins of leadership. Take them and lead with courage, integrity, and a vision for a better Nigeria. The country needs you now more than ever.”
His words left a lasting impact on the summit participants, many of whom left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
The Legacy of Youth Leadership
As the summit concluded, it was clear that Dr. Giami’s message had deeply resonated with the young leaders in attendance as commendations came from the organisers and several others. His call to action served as a reminder that leadership is not defined by age or experience but by the willingness to take responsibility and drive change.
In a country where youth have often been marginalised and their potential overlooked, Dr. Giami’s speech was a powerful affirmation of their importance and ability to lead. It was a clarion call for young Nigerians to rise to the occasion and take their rightful place as the leaders of today.
As the youth of Nigeria continue to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world, Dr. Giami’s words will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. They remind us that the future is not something to be awaited but something to be created—today, by the leaders of today.
