The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, has urged Nigerian youth to embrace creativity, transparency, and moral integrity as essential tools for rebuilding the nation and securing its future.
Mohammed gave the charge at the grand finale of the Hope for Nigeria Essay Competition and Conference, organised by the Hope for Nigeria Foundation to mark its 10th anniversary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by Suhayr Musa, Mohammed described young Nigerians as “the true builders of today,” stressing that their ideas, innovation, and resilience would shape the country’s destiny.
“The future of Nigeria depends on us, the youth — the true builders of today.
We are not waiting for tomorrow to lead; we are shaping it.
Let us choose creativity over corruption, service over selfishness, and hope over despair,” she said.
She also called on stakeholders to strengthen education by expanding digital access, promoting entrepreneurship, and including young people in policymaking to fully unlock their potential.
Founder of the foundation, Mr. Tunji Aworinde, commended participants for their brilliance and encouraged them to pursue their dreams passionately while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.
“Among you today are the new Chinua Achebes and Wole Soyinkas,” Aworinde said.
“You must not let your dreams die and you must not die without living your dreams. Whatever your dream is, keep at it; it will be realised.”
Oseodion Osemudiamhen, a student of Army Day Secondary School, Maitama, emerged overall winner of the competition. In his winning essay, he identified transparency as Nigeria’s most pressing need, stressing the importance of accountability in governance.
“Our main problem is transparency. We must always be open and accountable to one another. AI should be used as a tool for learning, not a substitute for human thinking. It gives you a path, but your mind must lead the way,” he said.
Second-place winner, Adebimpe Oluwapelumi of Government Secondary School, Wuye, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Nigeria’s transformation hinged on accountable and transparent leadership.
“Many of Nigeria’s problems would be solved if our leaders were transparent and responsive,” she said.
