Honourable Abass Adigun, a member representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, has revealed that the Agboworin Future Leaders in Politics (FLIP 1.0) summit was designed to empower youths with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in nation-building through political engagement.
He said, on Monday at the University of Ibadan Conference Center, that the event aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in politics, preparing young Nigerians for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
According to Adigun, “This summit is a platform to equip young minds with the realities of practical politics, moving beyond the theoretical aspects often taught in our society.”
He emphasized the importance of youth involvement in politics, leveraging their digital skills and knowledge to drive progress in the country.
Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, acknowledged that politics is a dynamic field, and young Nigerians must adapt to its changing landscape.
He drew parallels with advanced countries, highlighting the importance of institutional frameworks in addressing political challenges.
The lawmaker expressed his commitment to touching lives and empowering individuals with necessary skills, going beyond mere material empowerment. He said he saw the summit as an opportunity to invest in the future of Nigerian youths and prepare them for leadership roles in politics.
His words: “This summit is organized to equip young Nigerians on the reality of practical politics as against the known theory of it in our society.
“Politics in this part of the world involves a lot of things. The political challenges we are facing in our country are not strange, and similar are being faced in most of the advanced countries. But their own institutional settings are being used to correct the abnormality there.”
Meanwhile, At the event, speakers emphasized that young Nigerians aspiring to leadership positions must acquire specific skills, abilities, and knowledge to achieve their goals.
Professor Remi Aiyede, a renowned political scientist from the University of Ibadan, led the discussion with a thought-provoking presentation titled “Youth, Politics, and Leadership in 21st Century Nigeria: Emerging Issues.”
He stressed that effective leadership requires conceptual skills, including vision, goal-setting, organizational expertise, and the ability to inspire others.
He added that to succeed, young leaders must also possess interpersonal influence, strategic thinking, and sincere communication skills.
Professor Aiyede further emphasized that political parties must adopt a comprehensive youth strategy, evidence-based policies, and training programs to support young leaders.
Other speakers, including Hon. Abiodun Babalola; lawmaker representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Dare Adeleke, SA to Governor on Federal Constituency encouraged the participants to engage actively at the grassroots level, leveraging their skills and energy to achieve meaningful impact.
Also, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Chairman and CEO of Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, shared his inspiring journey to success, highlighting the importance of determination, strategic thinking, and vision in overcoming challenges.
He advised the young leaders to emulate these qualities to achieve their goals.
