The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative hosted the 2025 edition of the Nigeria & I Conference on 25 October 2025 at the American Corner, 54 Magazine Road, Jericho, Ibadan.
The conference, themed “Reclaiming Nigeria: The Power of a United Generation,” brought together young Nigerians, leaders and changemakers for a meaningful conversation about unity, citizenship and national development. (The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative)
At a time when political, ethnic, religious and generational differences continue to affect the country, the event delivered a timely message: Nigeria can make greater progress when its people recognise their shared responsibility and work together.
Reclaiming Nigeria Through Collective Action
Reclaiming Nigeria does not mean taking the country from someone else. It means restoring the values, institutions and shared sense of responsibility required to make the nation work for everyone.
It means building a country where leadership is accountable, citizens are actively involved and young people have genuine opportunities to succeed.
The conference challenged participants to consider how their decisions and contributions could help create such a nation. Rather than waiting for change to come from a particular leader or political party, Nigerians were encouraged to see national transformation as a collective assignment.
The Strength of a United Generation
Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths. The country is home to people from different ethnic, cultural, religious and professional backgrounds.
However, that diversity can only contribute to national development when it is supported by mutual respect and a shared vision.
The theme of the 2025 conference emphasised that unity does not require everyone to hold the same opinions. It requires Nigerians to place the country’s progress above the interests and divisions that prevent meaningful cooperation.
A united generation can disagree constructively, challenge injustice, demand accountability and still work together towards shared goals.
Bringing Leaders and Changemakers Together
The conference featured Dr. Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, Hon. Temiloluwa Oyeniyi, Chief Solomon Adewole, Dr. Seun Fakorede, Dr. Rachel Ogunsanwo and Dr. Oladayo Ogunbowale.
Their participation reflected the importance of bringing together individuals with different experiences and perspectives to discuss Nigeria’s future.
Such engagements help bridge the distance between established leaders and emerging changemakers. They also give participants opportunities to learn from real experiences, ask important questions and develop a clearer understanding of the demands of responsible leadership.
Giving Young Nigerians a Voice
Young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of national development; they are essential partners in creating it.
Across technology, agriculture, business, entertainment and social development, young people are already demonstrating their ability to solve problems and create opportunities.
The Nigeria & I Conference encouraged them to recognise that their voices, skills and actions matter. They do not have to wait until they occupy prominent positions before contributing to national progress.
Leadership can begin by addressing a need within a community, starting an ethical business, mentoring another young person, participating in public affairs or consistently choosing integrity.
Turning National Conversations Into Action
Conferences can generate valuable ideas, but their lasting impact depends on what participants do afterwards.
The lessons and connections developed at Nigeria & I 2025 should inspire greater civic participation, community service and collaboration. Every participant has the potential to carry the message into their workplace, school, organisation or neighbourhood.
When individuals apply what they have learned and influence others to act, a single gathering can produce an impact that extends far beyond the event venue.
Building the Nigeria We Deserve
Nigeria’s challenges are significant, but they are not beyond the capacity of its people to address.
Progress will require responsible leadership, stronger institutions and citizens who are willing to work across their differences. It will also require a generation that refuses to accept division, corruption and indifference as permanent features of national life.
Through Nigeria & I 2025, The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative reinforced the belief that building a better country begins with informed, united and responsible citizens.
Nigeria can be reclaimed-but only when its people choose to reclaim it together.
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