Kalu Urges Youths To Lead With Courage, Strategy, And Competence

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace courage, strategic thinking, and competence as essential qualities for effective leadership and national development.

Kalu gave the charge in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Bridge Leadership Foundation, comprising graduates of a six-month intensive leadership training programme for young Nigerians.

He told the delegation that influence in leadership is earned through hard work and integrity, not inherited, stressing that “true leadership is measured by one’s ability to translate ideas into action, negotiate across differences without compromising principle, and ensure that policies achieve tangible results.”

“Leadership is not a ceremonial title. It is the art of service, the practice of wisdom, and the courage to act in the face of uncertainty,” Kalu said. “Your credibility as a leader will be judged not by ambition alone, but by preparation, wisdom, and the impact you create.”

The Deputy Speaker noted that with nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, youths have a crucial stake in the country’s democratic and leadership processes.

He described the underrepresentation of young people in governance as a “call to action,” pointing out that fewer than four percent of seats in the 10th National Assembly are held by Nigerians under 35.

“The future cannot wait,” he said, urging young people to lead with “courage, competence, and integrity.”

Kalu highlighted that the 10th House of Representatives has prioritised youth inclusion, sponsoring key bills to ease access to political office, institutionalise mentorship and internship programmes, and support youth entrepreneurship.

He also cited government efforts such as the National Youth Investment Fund and a 30 percent youth-inclusion target in governance as part of a deliberate national shift toward integrating young Nigerians into decision-making.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu disclosed that the committee is considering 86 amendment proposals across 13 thematic areas, including governance, devolution, and inclusive representation.

He called on youths to participate actively in public hearings and submit memoranda to ensure their voices are reflected in the constitutional reform process.

“Our national reform agenda must advance three imperatives: representation that mirrors our demographics, institutions that function with transparency, and governance that invites citizen participation,” he said.

Earlier, Program Manager of the Bridge Leadership Foundation and former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, said the training aims to equip young Nigerians with the skills to make informed decisions and tackle national challenges.

He explained that 25 participants were selected from 32 states after a rigorous screening process.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Agenda, Cyril Hart, and Billy Osawaru encouraged the trainees to invest in self-development and use their talents to contribute to Nigeria’s progress.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji