A human rights activist and former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly,
Shehu Sani has urged Nigerian youths to become more involved in politics, leadership and community development, saying the country’s future will depend largely on the choices made by the younger generation.
Speaking while delivering a special lecture at the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife,
the former senator said Nigeria had enormous human and natural resources but had failed over the years to translate its wealth and potential into widespread prosperity.
In the lecture titled “Rethinking Development in Nigeria: Key Lessons and Prospects for the Future” Sani advised young Nigerians to develop confidence in the country, participate in public affairs, and hold leaders accountable for the management of national resources.
According to him, young people should learn from the achievements and failures of previous generations as they prepare to assume greater leadership responsibilities.
According to him, “We are benefiting from what past generations have been able to do for us. Future generations can only benefit from the seeds we are planting now.”
Sani explained that the actions of the present generation would determine the quality of institutions, opportunities, and social conditions that Nigerians would inherit in the future.
The former lawmaker also urged youths to reject political apathy and take an active interest in decisions affecting education, employment, security, governance and economic development.
He said Nigeria’s challenges required patriotism, discipline, courage and the willingness of citizens to demand responsible leadership.
Sani, who directed much of his lecture to students, encouraged them to take pride in the country’s historical contributions to global development.
He noted that Nigerians had distinguished themselves in various professions and across the world, adding that the country’s current difficulties should not lead young people to conclude that national progress was impossible.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, said the lecture was organised to deepen public conversation on Nigeria’s development and expose students to ideas beyond the conventional classroom environment.
Fasiku described the event as the first special lecture organised by the Faculty during the 2025/2026 academic session.
He said the lecture series was designed to provide a platform for students, academics and accomplished public figures to engage issues of national and global importance.
The Dean also called for increased youth representation in political leadership, policymaking and governance.
He said Nigeria’s population, human capital and natural resources could become important foundations for development when supported by quality education, effective institutions and responsible leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibukun Akanni.
Akanni thanked Sani for accepting the invitation and described him as a public figure whose experiences in activism, politics, education and social advocacy had contributed to national discourse.
He expressed hope that the lecture would broaden participants’ understanding of Nigeria’s development challenges and encourage them to contribute to the country’s progress.
Some lecturers and guests at the event said the lecture had offered the students valuable historical and contemporary perspectives on citizenship, patriotism and development.
They advised young Nigerians to learn from the errors of older generations and resist practices that had weakened public institutions and national unity.
Students who attended the programme described the lecture as a wake-up call and said it had encouraged them to take greater responsibility for their education, communities and country.
The programme ended with a performance by students of the Department of Dramatic Arts and the presentation of an award to Sani.
Source: New Telegraph
