Nigerian Youths are nation’s greatest asset — NSITF boss Faleye

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, has described Nigerian youths as the country’s most valuable asset, ahead of natural resources, infrastructure, and capital.

Faleye made the assertion while delivering a speech as guest speaker at the Student Mentorship Summit 2026 organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja.

Represented by his Technical Assistant, Dayo Alao, the NSITF boss stressed that Nigeria’s future rests largely on the potential, creativity, and energy of its young population.

“In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital — it is our people, particularly our youth, who are energetic, innovative, and full of potential,” he said.

He noted, however, that potential alone is insufficient without proper guidance, support, and protection, urging stakeholders to invest deliberately in youth development.

Faleye emphasised the need for a shift in mindset among young Nigerians — from entitlement to responsibility, dependency to self-reliance, and consumption to production. He urged youths to become job creators, innovators, and solution-driven leaders rather than mere job seekers.

Highlighting the role of social protection in national development, he explained that the NSITF is not only focused on compensation but also on building a resilient workforce through workplace safety, decent work standards, and productivity enhancement.

“Social security is not merely a safety net; it is a foundation for national development. Investing in youth development is inseparable from investing in social protection,” he added.

Faleye further advocated a proactive, multi-sectoral approach to youth empowerment, stressing the importance of what he described as “skybound leadership” — a model that encourages forward-thinking, innovation, and systems-based leadership among young people.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Publicity Secretary of NANS and convener of the summit, Samson Ajasa, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities both locally and internationally.

Ajasa explained that the success of the maiden edition held at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye informed the expansion of the summit in 2026.

He added that the theme, “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector Approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy,” reflects the ambition to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge, mentorship, and innovation needed to thrive across sectors.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Social Protection Champion Award to Faleye by NANS, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to workforce development.

The summit, held at Merit House, Maitama, attracted top government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors.