The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has used the occasion of International Youth Day 2025 to call for greater investment in education, describing it as the single most powerful tool to empower young people and safeguard the future of Nigeria.
EpeInsights reports that Hon. Olowa in his goodwill message emphasized that while the world rightly celebrates the energy and resilience of young people, true empowerment cannot be achieved without deliberate and sustained efforts to strengthen the educational system.
“When we invest in the education of our youth, we invest in the future of our society,” he said. “Education must go beyond classrooms and certificates, it must excite minds, spark passions, and equip our young people with the right skills to compete globally and transform their communities.”
International Youth Day, observed globally every August 12, is set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness about the challenges facing young people and to celebrate their contributions to development.
This year’s commemoration focuses on youth inclusion in building sustainable, equal, and people-driven societies.
The day also provides a platform for leaders, institutions and communities to renew their commitment to supporting the aspirations of young people.
According to the UN, more than half of the world’s population is under the age of 30, making youth a critical driver of global progress.
Hon. Olowa, while congratulating Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ibeju-Lekki, said their role is not limited to being the “leaders of tomorrow” but as active participants in shaping today’s reality.
“Our youths are not just the future; they are the present. The choices they make today to learn, innovate, lead, speak up, will shape the destiny of our nation. That is why we must continue to provide them with platforms and opportunities to thrive,” he noted.
He further highlighted the connection between generations, stressing that progress is best achieved when the wisdom of the older generation meets the energy of the youth.
The Council Chairman appealed to governments at all levels, private sector players and well-meaning Nigerians to commit resources towards strengthening the educational system, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development.
“We need an education system that is inclusive, that leaves no one behind, and that positions our youths as global citizens. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil, but the creativity and resilience of her young people. If we fail to invest in them, we fail to invest in our future,” he warned.
Hon. Olowa concluded his message with a note of encouragement to the youth: “Dream big, but also act. Learn, but also teach. Listen, but also speak up. Your voice matters. Keep shining, keep striving, and keep making us proud.”
As the world marks International Youth Day, his call for stronger investment in education resonates as a reminder that building a sustainable and inclusive society must begin with empowering the nation’s most vital asset — its youth.
