By Olawale Lamina
The Nigerian youths have been challenged on the need to embrace innovation, give quality leadership and demonstrate responsibility in an era dominated by digital influence with attendant vulnerability capable of exposing them to negative values.
This formed part of the direction as speaker after speaker took turns to chart a new course for the youngsters at the Day-1 of the 2026 Young Leaders Summit, YLS, held at the auditorium of Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja.
The Summit, eight in the series, came under the theme ‘Digital Citizens: Leadership, Innovation & Civic Responsibility’, brought together youths from across the Federal Capital Territory who converge on the venue to explore conversation on shared values.
In her keynote address, the YLS Convener, Dr. Mrs. Bolatito Sure-Olufe appreciated the commitment of the youths and partners for believing in the project aimed at shaping the future
She emphasized that influence without responsibility is dangerous, calling on young people to be fully involved in Civic duties and understand that democracy doesn’t only happen on election.
She emphasized that the digital space is an important arena, just as there are vulnerability like misinformation, disinformation, manipulation and hate speech which they needed to guard against.
On digital intelligence, she underscored the need to recognize the place of technology as making people powerful but would not be enough, urging the need for character in the use of technology to good effect. She also acknowledged the place digital skills in solving problems to make money.
On leadership, she corrected the notion that leadership is synonymous with position, stressing that individuals do not need a political appointment or a leadership title to make an impact in the society, just as leadership can be demonstrated even from the homestead and community. Dr. Olufe added that leadership with influence is often demonstrated through character, integrity and courage.
She challenged the YLS participants to believe they belong to a well informed generation, stressing that leadership is associated with the age of innovation.
The convener also threw a challenge that the youth should listen, engage, interact, ask questions, think, connect and behave as digital citizens. She stressed the need for creative and innovative ideas.
She stated that Nigeria needs young people, who are able to contribute their quota to the development of the country and make it better. She concluded that leadership is having the courage to speak up,
In similar breath, a panel of four different sessions also took turns to motivate and galvanize the youths for positive action as they opened up debate over the use of the Artificial Intelligence, AI, with active audience participation.
The speakers, panelists and audience participants at the event explored the subject critical issues of Civic responsibility, AI innovation.
Resource persons like Seyi Ajibola, a Cybercrime Investigation Specialist, Digital Forensics Analyst, Mr. Akin…., a blockchain developer, Alex Adekunle-James, Founder and Executive Director of RID Nigeria and Mr Theo Godson- entrepreneur provided needed insight into the theme of the Summit.
About The Author
