Youth & Innovation: Building The Next 65 Years

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, it’s important to remember that the nation’s story has always been one of youthful innovation. Our founding figures, Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and others, were mostly in their 20s and 30s when they laid the political, educational, and economic foundations of modern Nigeria.

Their activism wasn’t just about winning independence; it was about creating enduring institutions that shaped the country’s civil service, universities, and agricultural sectors. That bold, youthful energy remains just as critical today as it was in 1960.

Now, a new generation is redefining leadership beyond oil and politics, turning to technology, civic advocacy, and innovation as tools of transformation. From building digital ecosystems to driving policy reforms, young Nigerians are proving that the future belongs to them.

The challenge of the next 65 years lies in sustaining this momentum, connecting human capital, government, and industry to create systems that turn raw energy into lasting progress. The voices of youth are not just relevant; they are central to Nigeria’s journey forward.