Young Nigerians gathered at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, for the Nigeria & I University Awareness Conference—an engagement designed to deepen their understanding of citizenship, leadership and national responsibility.
Organised by The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative, the conference created an opportunity for participants to reflect on their role in building the Nigeria they desire.
Moving Beyond Complaints
Conversations about Nigeria often focus on the country’s problems. Young people regularly encounter stories about unemployment, insecurity, corruption, poor infrastructure and limited opportunities.
While these challenges are real, the Nigeria & I Conference encouraged participants to move beyond frustration and consider an equally important question:
What role can I play in making Nigeria better?
The conference challenged young Nigerians to recognise that national development is not the responsibility of the government alone. Students, professionals, entrepreneurs and community members all have roles to play through their decisions, values and contributions.
Awakening Civic Responsibility
One of the most important outcomes of youth engagement is helping young people understand that citizenship involves more than possessing a Nigerian passport or voting during elections.
Active citizenship includes staying informed, participating constructively in society, respecting others, protecting public resources and taking responsibility for improving one’s community.
Through the Nigeria & I Conference, participants were encouraged to see themselves not merely as observers of the country’s development but as active contributors to its future.
This message is especially important for young people preparing to enter the workforce, build businesses, lead organisations and influence their communities.
Preparing Young People for Leadership
Leadership does not begin with holding a political office or receiving an important title. It begins with personal responsibility, integrity and a willingness to serve.
By taking the conversation to an institution filled with young minds, The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative is helping to plant the values required for responsible leadership.
The conference reminded participants that their everyday choices matter. How they approach their education, treat other people, respond to challenges and use their talents can contribute to the kind of society Nigeria becomes.
When young people understand leadership this way, they begin preparing to create change wherever they find themselves.
Connecting Education With National Development
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training provides a meaningful environment for a conversation about Nigeria’s future. Established at Moor Plantation in 1920, IAR&T is recognised as Nigeria’s first agricultural research institute and supports research, training and agricultural development. (iart.gov.ng)
Holding the conference in such an environment reinforces the connection between education, innovation and national progress.
Nigeria needs graduates who can apply their knowledge to solving real problems. Whether in agriculture, technology, business, public service or community development, education becomes more valuable when it is used to improve lives.
Building Hope Through Meaningful Conversations
Many young Nigerians feel disconnected from national affairs or uncertain about the country’s future. Creating spaces where they can engage in honest and constructive conversations is therefore essential.
The Nigeria & I Conference offered more than an awareness programme. It provided a platform for reflection, learning and renewed hope.
Participants were reminded that they are important to Nigeria’s story and that their ideas, skills and actions can make a difference.
This aligns with The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative’s commitment to active citizenship, responsible leadership, youth development and meaningful national conversations. (thebenjaminfeyijimi.org)
Inspiring a Generation to Take Responsibility
The impact of the conference will ultimately be seen in what participants do with the knowledge and motivation they received.
A student who becomes more conscious of community needs, a young person who chooses integrity or a participant inspired to begin a social-impact project represents the kind of change the conference seeks to encourage.
Through the Nigeria & I University Awareness Conference, The Benjamin Feyijimi Initiative continues to remind young Nigerians of a powerful truth:
Nigeria’s future will not be shaped only by what young people expect from their country, but also by what they are prepared to contribute to it.
