By Chinedu Echianu
Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has described Nigerian youths as the nation’s most valuable asset, emphasizing that their potential surpasses that of natural resources, infrastructure, or financial capital.
Faleye made this assertion while delivering a speech as guest speaker at the 2026 Students Mentorship Summit organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.
“In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital; it is our people — more specifically, our youth: energetic, innovative, and full of potential,” he said.
Represented by his Technical Assistant, Dayo Alao, the NSITF chief stressed that unlocking this potential requires deliberate guidance, protection, and support.
He noted that youth empowerment is critical to national development, adding that equipping young people with relevant skills and leadership capacity is now non-negotiable.
Faleye called for a shift in mindset among Nigerian youths, urging a transition from dependency to self-reliance and from job-seeking to job creation.
He encouraged young people to embrace innovation, solve real-world problems, and take up leadership roles within their communities.
“We must inspire them to be job creators, not just job seekers, and encourage them to be innovators solving real-world challenges rather than merely chasing certificates,” he stated.
Highlighting the role of social protection in national growth, Faleye described it as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
According to him, investment in youth development cannot be separated from investment in social security systems.
“A protected workforce is a productive workforce, and that is what drives national prosperity,” he said, adding that NSITF remains committed to promoting workplace safety, decent work standards, and expanding social protection coverage across the country.
He further advocated for what he termed “skybound leadership,” a concept that encourages forward-thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and systems-based approaches to solving national challenges.
“The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built, and sustained,” Faleye concluded.
In his welcome address, NANS National Publicity Secretary and convener of the summit, Comrade Samson Ajasa, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities both locally and internationally.
Ajasa noted that the success of the maiden edition held at Olabisi Onabanjo University in October 2025 inspired the 2026 edition, themed “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector Approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy.”
He said the theme underscores the need to expand the horizons of Nigerian youths through mentorship, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
In addition, the organisation flagged ongoing challenges with Nigeria’s online visa application portal, urging the government to address technical issues to ensure a smoother application process.
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is “well-positioned to champion reforms that facilitate the movement of people,” the group said, stressing that such actions would reinforce the implementation of AfCFTA and signal strong commitment to continental integration.
