Historically, youths in any country have been at the forefront of social movements and revolutions across the globe. In Nigeria, this demographic presents an incredible opportunity. However, it remains largely untapped. Young Nigerians are increasingly aware of their socio-political environment, and their enthusiasm and energy can radically reshape the country’s future. Considering the level of unemployment among the youths, harnessing their potential through mentoring is crucial for economic growth and stability.
Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape is fraught with challenges that can be daunting for the youth. Corruption, ethnicity and a lack of transparency can lead to apathy and disillusionment among young people. However, it is also in this environment that young individuals can emerge as powerful advocates for change. This can also be achieved when they learn from elders and individuals who have contributed to the development of the country and distinguished themselves for positive change in the society.
These issues and more were deliberated on by mentees and younger associates of the former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, a scholar, policy strategist and former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who organised a youth dialogue and engagement in commemoration of his 60th birthday anniversary.
The dialogue tagged, ‘ Bridging Generations: Leadership, Mentorship and Legacy’ was convened by the spokesman of the House of Representatives and lawmaker representing Oye/Ikole federal constituency, Akin Rotimi and had different youth and student groups including state and federal lawmakers in attendance.
The state governor, Biodun Oyebanji was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habitat Adubiaro; the speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; the Senior Special Assistant, Sunday Ashefon, the state commissioner for youth development, Gold Adedayo among others attended the forum. Fayemi’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi was elegantly part of the events, where both listened to encomium from the participants.
Speakers across different segments spoke glowingly about the contributions and unique qualities of the celebrant to the development of the nation. The people, especially the younger ones, disclosed the impacts of Dr Kayode Fayemi on their career with his mentoring and support over the years.
From his days as pro-democracy activist with his valuable contributions through Radio Kudirat against the military, to the formation of the All Progressives Congress and being a governor for two terms, including his stint as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, it is incontrovertible that over the years, Dr Fayemi has dedicated himself to the course of humanity and advancement of the society with his scholarly inputs.
He stands as an African statesman , whose unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights and mentorship has profoundly shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. It must be stated that his multifaceted career as a scholar , activist and public servant reflects a life dedicated to the service of his nation and the empowerment of its people.
The panel session at the event featured respected experts, scholars and international analysts, including a human settlement officer at UN-Habitat’s Regional office for Africa, Dr Rosemary Odunbaku; one of the youngest associate professors in the Computer Science department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr Segun Aina and the Director General ,Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in the presidency, Chris Ngwodo.
The panelists averred that youths must be deliberate in their chosen careers by learning the curve of leadership through their unwavering commitment to personal growth in order to add values to the society, as exemplified by Dr Fayemi.
The convener, Akin Rotimi who eulogised Fayemi for his guidance and support to his academic and political careers, called on the youths to be dedicated and committed in adding values to the society.
In his keynote address, the Africa Regional Director, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Dr Tunde Afolabi, urged youths in the state to draw lessons from Dr Fayemi’s career in private and public life, adding that, “ several lessons on how to live a life of great purpose garnished with astounding accomplishments can be gleaned from JKF’s most remarkable journey.”
Afolabi said, “the scholarly background of JKF and his consistent exposure and contributions to world class, cutting edge research and best practices, as well as the spirit of excellence and humanistic values which he imbibed from his formative years, have shaped his outlook and his leadership in public service.
“For JKF, excellence as the hallmark of his political trajectory was not an accident. It was a function of habit. Prior to becoming a politician, JKF was, (and still remains) an intellectual of the finest traditions in matters of international politics and on issues of public policy.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CSLAC) Auwal Rafsanjani, who spoke virtually commended the former governor for his contributions to the advancement of the nation’s democratic space.
Rafsanjani said Fayemi has distinguished himself to be a role model and mentor to young ones in the country, saying, “when he was young, he joined other activists to demand for democracy in Nigeria and Africa.”
On his part, the speaker of the Ekiti state House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye who recalled how Dr Fayemi paid the fees for his law school programme, said his impacts on his political and personal life cannot be quantified.
“Reading one of Dr Fayemi’s books and resume, I made a decision that I needed self-development, hence my decision to study law in 2007. He is a mentor and a man who believes in substance and I have learnt a lot from him,” Aribasoye said.
Speaking, the visibly elated Dr Kayode Fayemi expressed his deep appreciation for the organisers of the event to mark his 60th birthday, noting that he would always be committed to offering platforms to younger ones to learn and be useful to the society.
He encouraged youths to stand up for justice and truth at all times and avoid distractions, saying, “ doing good should not be on the basis of expected benefits, it should be doing it to our convictions and what your conscience asks you to, whether it is recognized or acknowledged, you should not bother.”
He said, “Young people possess invaluable qualities that position them as agents of renewal. First, their idealism remains untainted by life’s setbacks, making them bold enough to pursue the seemingly impossible. Second, they approach tasks with boundless energy and an unrelenting drive to champion causes they believe in. Third, their minds are open, free from the prejudices that sometimes hinder older generations, allowing them to bring fresh perspectives where cynicism might otherwise stifle progress.
“Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for greater youth inclusion in partisan politics, policy planning, and public service. Young people constitute the majority of our population, and their active participation is essential in shaping the future of governance. Politics and leadership require more patriotic, brilliant, and passionate young minds like those I met over the weekend.
“I urge our youth to take inspiration from these dynamic individuals who are ensuring their voices are heard in the political and policy-making spaces. Our generation has worked hard to lower the barriers to youth participation in governance and party-building. It is now time for all hands to be on deck to ensure that our democracy evolves and truly serves the people.
Read Also: Wike in Italy, secures vocational training institute for FCT
“ The road ahead may be challenging, but I encourage you to stay the course. Our collective hope lies in the unrelenting commitment of young Nigerians to build a better future. Keep the faith, and together, we will achieve the change we seek.”
He argued that leadership positions at all levels are beyond the title but ability to sacrifice, taking responsibility and service to the people.
“ People around me might have noticed that I am not comfortable with leadership because it is not a solo effort, leadership is a team effort. We are the change we want to see our lives. It is not what we talk about, but what we actually desire.
“ There are people who are in the office and when they get out of the office, they suffer serious psychological withdrawal symptoms because they do not live their life as real when they were in office
“ That is why leadership is not about the title, leadership is about sacrifice, responsibility and service whether in associations , town or church groups and others; leadership is about service not just in the political cycle alone, “ he said.
and then