As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Youth Day 2026, under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Harrison Niyi Alonge Care Foundation (HNACF), Harrison Olaniyi Alonge (HOA), has called for greater involvement of Nigerian youths in leadership, governance and decision-making processes at all levels.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Alonge emphasized that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but critical stakeholders in the Nigeria of today.
He urged governments, political leaders, institutions, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, governance, innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.
According to him, although Nigerian youths come from different backgrounds, communities and experiences, they share common aspirations for a better nation such as quality education, meaningful employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, security, good governance, social inclusion and a prosperous future.
The France-based business mogul encouraged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful, resilient and committed to nation-building, stressing that current challenges should never extinguish their dreams, creativity and determination to make a positive impact.
“Our youths must keep hope alive. Their voices matter, their ideas matter, and their participation matters. Nigeria can only achieve its full potential when young people are given the opportunity to sit at the table where decisions affecting their future are made.” He said
The Ikere-Ekiti-born APC stalwart also called on Nigerian youths to embrace unity, responsible citizenship, hard work, innovation and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
He further urged political and institutional leaders to build an inclusive system where young people can develop their talents, access opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
Harrison Alonge also commended the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) for demonstrating confidence in the capacity and potential of young people through the appointment of youths into various positions of responsibility.
He specifically noted the appointment of young people as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General, Local Government Chairmen and other strategic positions across the state.
According to him, such appointments demonstrate that youth inclusion should go beyond rhetoric and become a practical component of governance and leadership.
Alonge expressed optimism that continued investment in young people and their inclusion in decision-making will further strengthen Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.
Alonge urged young Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain focused, purposeful and committed to building a better future.
International Youth Day is commemorated annually on August 12 to draw attention to youth-related issues and celebrate the contributions of young people to society.
