Prominent Nigerian leaders have called on African nations to prioritise young people for top governance positions, emphasising that energy, vision, and fresh ideas should outweigh age in leadership.
The remarks were delivered on Thursday during a memorial lecture and leadership conference organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan led the call, urging African nations to give priority to individuals aged 25 to 50 for leadership roles. He argued that younger leaders possess the physical strength, mental sharpness, and resilience needed to meet the intense demands of governance.
“The person we are celebrating today was head of state at the age of 38. Obasanjo, when he took over, was also around 38…So why do we begin to think that we must be in our 100s before we can rule a country?” Jonathan said, highlighting the success of past young African leaders.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on the importance of leadership succession and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“The greatest achievement of Murtala was that he created a successor who could go on after him. The failure of all leaders after Murtala, including myself, is that we have not been able to create successors who could continue after us,” Obasanjo said.
Ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo highlighted leadership values and Africa’s rising global influence.
“If coming of age means self-awareness, confidence of purpose, and the capacity to shape one’s destiny, then Africa is no longer emerging; it is in its moment,” he said.
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido stressed the need to restore dignity and pride to Africa.
“The day Africans can hold their heads high as we did in 1975 and 1976…as equal human beings with every race and nation…we will have truly come of age,” he said.
Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, reinforced that leadership depends on the “age of ideas” rather than physical age, underscoring respect for youth engagement.
Other speakers at the event highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, strong democratic institutions, and mentoring young leaders to ensure sustainable and effective governance across the continent.