By George Ozalla
It was an electrifying atmosphere at the NEST Resource Centre yesterday as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, held an inspiring conversation with Nigerian youths, urging them to transform their anger over the nation’s shortcomings into a force for positive change.
The engaging session, anchored by the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, was filled to capacity with young people, innovators, and professionals eager to interact with the nation’s third citizen. Many participants were seen standing outside the hall as the venue overflowed with guests, a reflection of the growing youth interest in governance and leadership.
Speaking with characteristic passion, Senator Akpabio said he ventured into politics out of frustration at the state of the country, adding that constructive anger often births the courage to act. “I joined politics out of anger — anger at the decay, anger at the hopelessness, and anger that our people deserved better,” he declared. “But that anger must be productive. Use it to correct what is wrong and to build a better country.”
He encouraged young Nigerians to see themselves as partners in nation-building, not passive observers, stressing that the time had come for them to be bold in taking responsibility for shaping the future they desire. “The youth must no longer wait for change — you must become the change,” Akpabio said to a thunderous applause from the audience.
The Senate President described Nigerian youths as intelligent, energetic, and innovative, noting that their values must be harnessed for the good of the country. “Today, I met with Nigerian youths in Abuja. We discussed the future of Nigeria and what they have to do as the leaders of today. It was a down-to-earth discussion with the youths of our country. Nigerian youths are very intelligent and energetic, and those values must be harnessed for the good of the country,” he said.
Akpabio explained that during the question-and-answer session, he took time to respond to very critical questions bordering on the running of the country and the achievements and reforms of the current administration. He urged the youths to continue to believe in the country under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assured them that the economic fortunes of Nigeria were beginning to turn around for the good of all.
The event took a delightful turn when Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made a surprise appearance, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. In his brief but impactful remarks, he urged young people to pursue excellence, value mentorship, and build purposeful networks, saying, “No one succeeds alone. Build alliances, seek knowledge, and use your platforms to impact others. That’s how we change narratives.”
Hon. Dayo Israel, who moderated the session, displayed exceptional skill and charisma as a communicator, reaffirming his position as one of the most dynamic youth leaders in the country. As the APC National Youth Leader, Israel has been piloting the affairs of the party’s youth wing with vision and enthusiasm, driving programmes that promote political inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development.
According to a press statement signed by the Centre’s management earlier, the meeting was designed to strengthen the bridge between policymakers and young citizens, fostering mentorship, leadership dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving.
Among those who accompanied the Senate President and other dignitaries that attended the event were Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Joseph Ikpea, Dr. Wale — the Senate President’s personal physician —Hon. Smart Olalekan Edwards, Hon. Femi Odere, Mr Jackson Udom, Mr Bassey and Mr Spencer. Others include Lady Favour, Engr Adeniyi Omoniyi, Comrade Earl Ogebe, Comrade Abarret Fukpo, Engr Paul Ephraim, Blessing Amajama, Innocent Effiong, and Maryam Abdulmalik, among other dignitaries.
In his closing remarks, Akpabio who was presented with two different awards at the event reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to policies that will expand opportunities for the youth in education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. “Your voices will not go unheard in the 10th Senate,” he assured. “We will continue to work with you to build a nation worthy of your dreams.”
