“Nigeria Needs Youth Who Are Ready to Serve, Not Just Speak,” — Rinsola Abiola
By Morris Nor// The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has called for a national rebirth driven by youth participation, values, and volunteerism as Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Director-General of the Centre, Hon. Rinsola Abiola, made the call via her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, following the “Nigeria at 65: Reviving Values and Volunteerism Among the Youth” conference held at Monoliza, Abuja.
The conference, organised by the CLTC, brought together young people, youth leaders, professionals, and policymakers to deliberate on the role of values, citizenship, and volunteerism in shaping the nation’s future.
According to Abiola, the event was aimed at “fostering a culture of volunteerism and leadership, empowering our youth to drive positive change across Nigeria.”
The high-profile gathering featured keynote addresses and panel discussions that explored the critical link between national development and youth-driven initiatives. A key highlight of the event was the Youth Leadership Debate Finale — an initiative of LEAP Africa and the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) — which provided a platform for young Nigerians to present innovative ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and engage directly with decision-makers on issues of nation-building.
Abiola expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), LEAP Africa, the United Nations Inter-Agency Group (UNIAGY), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Aspitah Global Resources for their collaboration and sponsorship, describing their partnership as “instrumental to the success of the event.”
She further commended the speakers, panellists, and participants for contributing to “meaningful conversations and actionable insights on youth leadership and active citizenship.”
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its young people — their values, creativity, and willingness to serve,” Abiola stated, adding that the CLTC remains committed to initiatives that inspire responsibility and nation-building among young Nigerians.
As the nation reflects on 65 years of independence, the conference underscored a growing consensus: for Nigeria to thrive, the youth must not only inherit the future but also be active participants in shaping it.
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