‘Stop Calling Us Leaders of Tomorrow’ — Dr Esther Okereke Champions Youth Leadership

The 2027 presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement, Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke, has urged Nigeria to stop treating young people as leaders of the distant future and begin giving them opportunities to lead today.

Okereke made the call in her special International Youth Day 2026 message, where she celebrated Nigerian youths for their achievements across several sectors.

She said young Nigerians have demonstrated leadership through entrepreneurship, technology, medicine, agriculture, entertainment, education, sports, journalism and innovation.

According to her, these achievements demonstrate that Nigerian youths do not lack capacity but often lack the institutional support required to maximise their potential.

She identified unemployment, rising living costs, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to capital as major obstacles confronting young Nigerians.

Okereke said government must create an environment where young people can build careers, establish businesses and participate meaningfully in governance.

She called for stronger investment in education, healthcare, vocational development and digital skills.

The NRM candidate further demanded greater representation of young people in political decision-making, stressing that youth participation must extend beyond election campaigns.

She urged Nigerian youths to believe in their ability to influence national development and to participate responsibly in democracy.

“Nigerian youths are not merely leaders of tomorrow. They are builders, innovators and leaders today,” she said.

She reaffirmed her belief that a new Nigeria is possible when the country places human capital development at the centre of its national agenda.