Prominent stakeholders, government officials, and development partners have called on Nigerian youths to embrace volunteerism and value-based leadership as essential tools for nation-building and personal growth.
They implored the youth during the Nigeria @ 65 Conference, organized by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) in partnership with Aspitah Global Resources, with the theme “Restoring Values and Volunteerism Among the Youth.” The conference also featured the grand finale of the Youth Leadership Debate, an initiative aimed at promoting civic engagement and nurturing leadership potential among young Nigerians.
In her keynote address, the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Ms. Rinsola Abiola, emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian youths to rekindle the spirit of volunteerism, discipline, and patriotism that once defined the nation’s collective identity. 
“At 65, Nigeria stands at a defining moment in history, a time to reflect on our values and restore the moral compass that guides national progress,” Abiola said.
“Volunteerism is not just service to others; it is the foundation for true leadership. It shapes character, strengthens communities, and fuels the drive for national transformation.”
She explained that the Centre remains committed to its mandate of nurturing responsible citizens and ethical leaders through experiential leadership education. Abiola further called for more partnerships across public and private sectors to strengthen youth mentorship and civic engagement.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafi’u, implored young Nigerians to see themselves as architects of a greater Nigeria. He urged them to demonstrate integrity, patriotism, and loyalty in all their endeavors while commending CLTC for organizing the timely event.
NYSC Boss encouraged young Nigerians to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism as key pillars of leadership.“Every act of service brings us closer to the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said. “Through volunteerism, we build character, learn teamwork, and demonstrate patriotism — values that form the foundation of true leadership.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Chief Executive Officer of Future Africa, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address titled “The Power of One: How Volunteerism Can Reshape Our Nation.” He described volunteerism as self leadership and the heartbeat of progressive societies. He urged young Nigerians to embrace responsibility, service, relentlessness and integrity as guiding principles.
“Every great nation is built on the sacrifices of individuals who chose to serve. Volunteerism is not about having resources, but about having the heart to make a difference,” Aboyeji said.
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, spoke on the theme “Value-Driven Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between Youth Aspirations and Public Service.” He lamented the erosion of moral standards and public trust in leadership, calling for deliberate mentorship programs to cultivate a new generation of ethical leaders.
“Our greatest challenge today is the decay of values in leadership. We must rebuild institutions through the infusion of discipline, patriotism, and public-spiritedness,” he stated.
He also advised the government to imbibe flexi-timing, work-life balance, virtual working as employment policies in preparing this generation called ‘Gen Z’ for Public Service.
In his goodwill message, the National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, NC Gbenga Adedamola, emphasized that volunteerism must transcend occasional acts to become a way of life for all citizens.
“Volunteerism isn’t an event; it’s a culture. It’s about giving back to society without expectation of reward, knowing that service to humanity is service to God,” he said, urging youths to take pride in contributing their time and effort to community development initiatives.
Representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Hammed cautioned against moral compromise among youths, advising them to uphold integrity and eschew acts that tarnish the country’s image. She described integrity as the bedrock of meaningful progress and urged youths to become ambassadors of transparency in all spheres.
In her remarks, the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna D.D Azura, described volunteerism as a bridge that connects citizens across social divides, strengthening the bond of unity and empathy. She commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for recognizing youth as pivotal actors in national renewal and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the CEO of Aspitah Global Resources, Mrs. Latifah Isah, the implementation partner, encouraged youths to reflect on the lessons from the conference and see themselves as future leaders upon whose shoulders the nation’s destiny rests.
Equally, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts through a youth dashboard that tracks youth-centered activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She assured participants that the administration remains committed to empowering young people through innovation, education, and civic engagement.
The Conference, held at Monaliza Events Centre Abuja, featured paper presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions and Entertainment by NYSC Cultural Troupe. The topic discussed covered “From Community Service to National Impact”, “Youth Initiatives by the Renewed Hope Administration”, “Youth Voices in Policy Reform: Expectations and Realities’, and “Driven Leadership: Bridging the Gap between Youth Aspirations and the Realities of Public Service”.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Abiola reaffirmed CLTC’s commitment to advancing leadership development and civic responsibility among young Nigerians. She advised participants to carry forward the conference’s message into their daily lives, stressing that “leadership begins with citizenship, and every act of volunteerism, no matter how small, contributes to the greatness of our country.”
“Leadership begins with citizenship, and citizenship is expressed through service,” she said. “When we make volunteerism a culture, we lay the foundation for a stronger, more united Nigeria.”
Presenting the vote of thanks, the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Alhaji Danjuma Ochidi, expressed deep appreciation to all who contributed immensely to the success of the conference. He expressed optimism for continued engagements that would foster nation-building and admonished the youth to cascade the knowledge and values gained with others who could not attend.
Alhaji Ochidi also commended some facilitators and participants who are proud products of CLTC’s leadership Training Programmes, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the Centre. He concluded by extending his gratitude to the NYSC Cultural Troupe for adding colour and vibrancy to the event with their captivating performance.
The conference was supported by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and United Nations Nigeria.
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