Young people across the globe are becoming increasingly aware of their power and responsibility. Whether it is to advocate a cause, strengthening democracy, or improving leadership and governance, they are becoming more committed to finding practical solutions to contemporary issues that are crucial to their own future. Leveraging digital tools and other technological innovations that enhances connectivity and the amplification of voices, young people have drawn significant attention to governance and social issues that disproportionately impact them. Young Nigerians are no exception, as evidenced by trends observed in sprawling conversations daily held across digital platforms on issues related to leadership and governance, and the protest we have witnessed of recent.

While impactful, for the most part, the online agitations and offline movements have often been sporadic, lacking the organizational structure and alignment needed to deliver concrete and lasting changes that can only come through consistent and strategic engagement efforts. Emerging young leaders in Nigeria recognize this flaw and are continually seeking opportunities to learn practical strategies for productive engagement, as well as the platforms to engage productively. They seek to harness and effectively channel youth power and voices, building a strong movement capable of influencing government composition and policies at all levels of governance.

The Progressives Young Leaders Summit, an initiative of the office of the National Youth Leader was designed to serve as an avenue for the APC-led administration and All Progressives Congress, to meet this need and both insert itself and take lead position in a conversation and agenda which undoubtedly represent the greatest concern of young people in the country.

In 2022, The Progressives Young Leaders Summit 1.0, a 2-day mega program, brought together respected former and present African leaders alongside young Nigerian achievers of Global repute as guest speakers and panelists on issues related to youth inclusion in leadership and strategies for political engagements that give birth to desired changes. The Summit inspired, encouraged, and challenged young people to develop a careful roadmap for assuming leadership roles in the 21st century and for building the future.

This year, in line with our four-year strategic plan themed: Unlocking Potentials, Actualizing Expectations; the office of the APC National Youth Leader will be hosting The Progressives Young Leaders Summit 2.0, a 3-day mega event, Theme: “Shaping the Future We Want: Restiveness. Inclusion. Development. Action”. This year’s summit aims to provide the platforms for young Nigerians to gain insight on topics across various sectors that are important to them, listen to prominent voices, and network other rising young leaders and change agents.

The summit will encompass discussions on leadership and governance, youth participation and obligation in Nation building, business and Jobs for the future, human capacity development for the jobs of the future, and workable solutions that can be incorporated into our policy frameworks.

By harnessing the energy and passion of young Nigerians, the 2024 Summit aims to create a future that is truly reflective of the aspirations of the next generation in the actualization of the renewed hope agenda, and in the end leading to them taking ownership of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

By convening this important discussion and priming, the APC can reinforce its reputation to young Nigerians as a progressive party committed to the ideals of inclusion and its stated agenda to prioritize youth concerns and enable their emergence, as well as the flourishing of their ideas, in leadership circles to put Nigeria on a sure footing for the future.