The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Debo Akande, has urged Nigerian youths to strengthen their practical skills, work ethics, and integrity, warning that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to prepare them for leadership roles in a modern economy.
Akande, who also serves as Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Development, gave the advice on Monday at the Leadership Redefined Conference organised by the Leadership Role Models Association at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
He told participants that many young Nigerians possess intelligence but lack the soft skills required to excel in real-world environments.
“The biggest limitation facing young Nigerians is not a lack of intelligence but a lack of essential soft skills needed to thrive in modern leadership environments,” he said. “Many young people are brilliant, but brilliance without a skill set is not enough. Leadership today requires time management, teamwork, flexibility, customer service, and the discipline to deliver results.”
Akande cautioned youths against defining themselves by their university experiences or relying solely on criticism without offering solutions.
“Criticism is not leadership. Young people must move beyond pointing fingers to providing solutions. You cannot leave school and still hold on to who you used to be. Every young person must see themselves as a leader,” he said.
He emphasised that leadership must be rooted in personal integrity, noting that character and behaviour speak louder than certificates.
“People are watching you. Leadership is not a title; it is influence. Your integrity will speak for you long before your résumé is read. Dress the way you want to be addressed. Leadership doesn’t demand being expensive, but being responsible,” he added.
Akande also urged young Nigerians to avoid being distracted by religious or ethnic divisions and instead use their “domain of influence” responsibly. He noted that innovation, not technology alone, will shape Nigeria’s future. “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that created them. Curiosity is the catalyst of progress,” he said.
Earlier, the convener of the conference, Wole Oladokun, said the Leadership Redefined Conference 1.0 was created to raise ethically grounded African professionals and address leadership gaps across sectors. He described leadership as a responsibility rather than an entitlement, stressing that Nigeria needs leaders with competence, vision, and strong character.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Remmy Hazzan, who spoke on transformative governance, said Nigeria’s institutions suffer because of weak value systems.
“Ethical leadership is the moral backbone of effective governance, but it is lacking in our system. Integrity, which should form the bedrock of leadership, is missing,” he said. Hazzan added that degrees alone are insufficient for young people seeking political roles, stressing the need for deeper understanding of governance realities.
Another speaker, Hannah Oyebanjo, urged youths and women to tap into Nigeria’s demographic advantage.
“For Nigeria to change, young people must realise that background does not determine the future. Character is the pivot of growth. If you know nothing, you will offer nothing. Competence and the right mindset are critical,” she said.
The conference brought together sector leaders, public officials, and young professionals to address the leadership gaps affecting Nigeria’s development trajectory.
