By ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
The need to groom a new generation of patriotic, selfless and service-driven leaders capable of transforming Nigeria took centre stage at the 2026 Leadership Meet of NextGen Mentor Box, held with a call on young Nigerians to embrace integrity, accountability and nation-building.
The programme, sponsored by INGRA and VAREF, seeks to identify, mentor and equip young adults with the leadership values and capacity required to take up leadership responsibilities across different sectors of society.
Speaking at the event, Katherine Udok Banku, who explained the vision behind NextGen Mentor Box, lamented the declining spirit of patriotism and the growing expectation that Nigeria must first provide for its citizens before they can contribute to national development.
She observed that many Nigerians readily identify with their states of origin but struggle to demonstrate the same commitment to the Nigerian project.
According to her, nation-building requires dedication, sacrifice, consistency, loyalty and patriotism, stressing that Nigeria can only become better when its citizens accept collective responsibility for its progress.
Banku described leadership as service rather than an avenue for personal benefits, noting that whether in security, medicine, education or other professional fields, anyone occupying a position of responsibility must be prepared to serve others.
She said NextGen Mentor Box was designed to nurture young people with the potential, character and selflessness to influence positive change, adding that the initiative would deliberately select individuals who demonstrate a genuine willingness to contribute their time, resources and energy to society.
She expressed optimism that mentoring a committed generation of young leaders could produce a positive ripple effect across the country within the next decade.
Banku disclosed that the initiative would begin in Kogi State before expanding to other parts of Nigeria as resources and opportunities become available.
Also speaking, Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, said the organisation supported the initiative because young people needed clarity about leadership, their responsibilities and how they relate to society.
Aliyu explained that the Leadership Meet was the beginning of a continuous mentorship process rather than a one-off event.
He disclosed that participants would undergo periodic engagements, with new cohorts selected annually and given opportunities to practise the leadership principles acquired within their communities.
He described leadership development as a marathon rather than a sprint, expressing confidence that sustained mentorship would gradually build the capacity of young people to assume meaningful responsibilities.
In her contribution, a facilitator at the programme emphasised the importance of self-leadership, explaining that effective leadership begins with personal discipline, values and the willingness to make the right decisions even under pressure.
She challenged participants to identify what they stand for and remain committed to doing what is right, irrespective of prevailing pressures or personal interests.
According to her, young people must first demonstrate the leadership qualities they expect to see in others, stressing that national transformation begins with individuals taking responsibility for their actions.
Participants also expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.
A graduate of Information Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Moshood Abdulkarim, described the programme as an important platform for grooming future leaders and correcting misconceptions about leadership.
He said the discussions exposed him to different perspectives, particularly on how religion could sometimes be exploited to shield wrongdoing and discourage accountability.
Similarly, Mercy Abayomi, a student of the Federal University Lokoja, said the initiative would help young people understand that leadership was about service, not titles.
She argued that young Nigerians must be adequately prepared and given opportunities to assume leadership responsibilities rather than constantly being described as leaders of tomorrow.
Abayomi also called on young people to recognise the collective power of their voices and use it responsibly to demand accountability and contribute to national development.
She maintained that young people must understand their constitutional role in governance and realise that the responsibility for shaping Nigeria’s future does not rest solely on elected office holders.
The 2026 Leadership Meet underscored the importance of investing in young people through mentorship, character development and practical leadership experiences, with participants expressing hope that the initiative would help produce a generation committed to building a more accountable, united and prosperous Nigeria.
