Young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to move beyond the familiar slogan of being “leaders of tomorrow” and begin to demand accountability from those in authority.
The charge was made at a capacity-building training organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) to commemorate the International Youth Day.
The training brought together 50 youths from five communities and focused on leadership and advocacy skills to enable participants to amplify community challenges and engage government for solutions.
Programme officer and team lead at CITAD, Yasmin Salako, said the exercise was part of activities marking International Youth Day, initially slated for August 15 but rescheduled to allow broader participation.
“We are here to build the capacity of young people to become leaders, take action, and solve problems in their communities.
The participants are already community champions. We want to intensify their capacity to amplify challenges, engage government, and demand accountability,” she explained.
Salako noted that participants were drawn from Divine Heritage Home, Tukuchi and Kayeche in Kuje Area Council, Kuchibugi in Bwari Area Council, and Gofidna in AMAC.
She added that the initiative aligns with the International Youth Day theme of promoting local youth actions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Most times, we don’t need to look outside; we need to look inward to provide solutions to challenges such as lack of schools, hospitals, and roads,” she said.
Also speaking, Stephen Olushola of Vine Heritage Home Foundation, Gwagwalada, commended the training, stressing its role in preparing teenagers for life’s realities.
“Many young people will face peer pressure and economic hardship. Training like this prepares them not to be caught unawares,” he noted.
Olushola urged youths to put their new skills into practice, while emphasising the importance of vocational training alongside formal education.
“Not all graduates get jobs today. But with skills, youths can support themselves. I know a graduate who learned hairdressing here and is now successfully running her own business,” he said.
He further appealed to the government to support orphanages and homes raising vulnerable children, most of which, he said, operate without public funding.
“If these children are supported, they can become productive citizens. But if neglected, they risk ending up on the streets, where they can be exploited by criminal groups,” he warned.
For participants, the training served as both a learning opportunity and a rallying point.
Tukura Alimustapha from Gofidna community said it was time youths stopped waiting for “tomorrow.”
“We have heard for too long that we are leaders of tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes. We must stand up, organise, and use advocacy to demand social amenities from our leaders,” he said.
He urged young people to embrace education as a tool for empowerment.
“In any community without educated voices, it becomes difficult to push for development. So, I encourage youths not to give up on schooling, because it gives us the capacity to engage government effectively.”
The training concluded with participants brainstorming on practical solutions to local challenges, reinforcing the message that youth-led actions can spark national transformation.
