INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026: JUBRIL DOTUN SANUSI RENEWS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS, BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE

As the world marks International Youth Day 2026, the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has renewed his commitment to the development, empowerment and advancement of young people across Nigeria, Yorubaland and beyond.

Chief Sanusi described young people as the engine room of social transformation, innovation and economic development, stressing that the future prosperity and stability of any society depend largely on how effectively it identifies, nurtures and harnesses the potential of its younger generation.

In a goodwill message commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, the prominent Ibadan-born philanthropist and development advocate emphasised that young people must not be treated merely as beneficiaries of development but as active partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, community builders and leaders in the development process.

According to him, the time has come for society to move beyond celebrating young people with words and begin to create practical structures that enable them to thrive.

“Our youths are not merely leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today. We must give them the opportunity, resources and platforms to contribute meaningfully to society today.”

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT MUST BE PRACTICAL AND SUSTAINABLE

Chief Sanusi stressed that genuine youth empowerment should go beyond temporary interventions or ceremonial programmes.

He advocated sustained investments in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, sports, creative industries, leadership development and access to economic opportunities.

He noted that many young Nigerians possess remarkable talents, ideas and innovative abilities but require the right environment, mentorship, resources and institutional support to transform their potential into sustainable achievements.

He therefore called for stronger collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, businesses, philanthropists, civil society organisations, development partners and communities to develop programmes capable of equipping young people with relevant skills for the realities of the modern economy.

INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

The Okanlomo Oodua maintained that investment in youth development should be regarded as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria.

He explained that when young people receive quality education, acquire relevant skills and gain access to opportunities, they become better positioned to create wealth, generate employment, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.

He said:

“A society that deliberately develops its youth is building stronger communities, stronger institutions and a stronger economy. When we invest in the capacity of our young people, we are investing directly in the future we want to build.”

Chief Sanusi further emphasised that youth development should encompass both economic empowerment and character development, noting that skills and financial opportunities must be accompanied by values such as integrity, discipline, responsibility, resilience and service.

CALL FOR GREATER ACCESS TO EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Chief Sanusi called for greater efforts to bridge the gap between young Nigerians and emerging opportunities in technology, innovation and the digital economy.

He encouraged stakeholders to support programmes that expose young people to modern skills and technologies while also strengthening traditional areas of economic activity such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, commerce and the creative sector.

He noted that with the right support, Nigerian youths can compete favourably on the global stage and contribute significantly to the country's economic transformation.

According to him, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation must become important components of contemporary youth development, particularly as the global economy continues to evolve.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP

The traditional leader also underscored the importance of mentorship in preparing young people for leadership.

He encouraged established leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and successful members of society to deliberately create platforms through which younger people can learn from their experiences.

Chief Sanusi noted that leadership is not simply about occupying positions but about developing the capacity to solve problems, inspire others, make responsible decisions and serve society.

He urged young people to seek knowledge, learn from experienced individuals and remain open to constructive guidance.

PRESERVING CULTURAL VALUES WHILE EMBRACING MODERNITY

While encouraging young Nigerians to embrace innovation and global opportunities, Chief Sanusi urged them not to lose touch with their cultural identity and values.

He stressed the importance of preserving the rich heritage of the Yoruba people and other Nigerian communities while equipping the younger generation to operate confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.

He encouraged youths to combine modern knowledge with cultural consciousness, technological advancement with moral values, and ambition with responsibility.

A CHARGE TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS

Chief Sanusi challenged young people to take personal responsibility for their future by refusing to allow difficulties, economic challenges or societal limitations to define their potential.

He urged them to embrace education, entrepreneurship, creativity, discipline, hard work, innovation and integrity while using their talents positively.

The Okanlomo Oodua encouraged youths to become solution providers rather than merely complain about existing challenges, stressing that every generation has a responsibility to contribute to the improvement of society.

“Dream boldly. Learn continuously. Create fearlessly. Build responsibly. Serve selflessly. Lead courageously. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Chief Sanusi also called on governments at all levels, traditional institutions, private-sector organisations, philanthropists, educational institutions, development partners and community leaders to make youth development a collective priority.

He stressed that no single institution can address the complex challenges confronting young people alone, noting that partnership, collaboration and sustained investment are essential to achieving meaningful results.

He particularly encouraged initiatives that promote employment, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, education, sports, leadership, innovation and community development.

SANUSI'S CONTINUED COMMITMENT

Reaffirming his commitment to young people, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi assured youths that he would continue to support initiatives capable of promoting their development, creativity, dignity, leadership capacity and economic prosperity.

He noted that empowering young people is consistent with the broader vision of building communities where individuals are given opportunities to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.

He expressed confidence that with the right support, Nigerian and African youths can become global leaders in business, technology, science, sports, entertainment, governance, culture and other fields of human endeavour.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi congratulated young people across Nigeria, Yorubaland, Africa and the world on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026.

He urged them to remain hopeful, purposeful and committed to excellence, reminding them that their ideas, talents and contributions matter in shaping the society of tomorrow.

His message is clear: youth empowerment is not charity; it is an investment in human capacity, community development and the future of society.

Happy International Youth Day 2026!

Jubril Dotun Sanusi — Empowering Youths, Building Leaders, Strengthening Communities.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026: JUBRIL DOTUN SANUSI RENEWS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS, BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE

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