Ibadan, Nigeria – In commemoration of International Youth Day 2025, Mogaji Olajuwon Enitan Subair has issued a strong call for a redefinition and proper recognition of “youth” in Nigeria, stressing that it is not just a demographic label, but a defining period in human development that demands productivity, creativity, and responsibility.
“Youth is not just a tag,” Mogaji Olajuwon stated. “It is a period in life when we are expected to put our brains to work, innovate, create, and step into responsibility. It is not a class without age limits, and it is not a political tool to control or influence the younger generation.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s unique challenge, Mogaji Olajuwon pointed to the growing dysfunction in leadership and representation of young people.
“In our country, the individuals who publicly identify as ‘youth’ in leadership and politics are often far beyond the recognized youth age bracket anywhere else in the world. This misrepresentation has delayed progress, misplaced priorities, and deprived genuine young people of the opportunity to lead and shape the future,” he said.
The Mogaji called for a cultural and political shift where leadership roles and youth-focused positions are filled by people who truly belong to that demographic.
“We must allow each generation to perform according to its age, capacity, and class. Older generations should not parade as youths. Instead, they should mentor, guide, and create space for the younger ones to perform,” he emphasized.
He concluded with a message to young people across Nigeria and beyond:
“This is your time. Take responsibility, be productive, and let your creativity lead the way. The future is built by those who step forward and make their time count.”
Mogaji Olajuwon urged the Federal Government, state governments, political parties, and civil society organizations to adopt a globally accepted definition of “youth” in Nigeria’s laws, policies, and leadership criteria.
This reform, he noted, would ensure that youth representation is authentic, opportunities are fairly distributed, and Nigeria’s future leaders are truly drawn from its young generation.
