Ebimoboere Alaibe Elezieanya Urges Youths to Build Hope, Embrace Entrepreneurship, Transform the Nation

  By Genesis Ogiri

ABUJA – The Director-General and Founder of the iTeach Africa Initiative, Ebimoboere (Ebi) Alaibe Elezieanya, has urged Nigerian youths to build hope, embrace entrepreneurship and take responsibility for transforming the nation, insisting that Nigeria's current economic and social challenges are not permanent but can be overcome through resilience, innovation and collective action.

Elezieanya made the call while speaking with journalists during a youth career progression programme organised by Afrivate Technologies Limited at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja. The event brought together policymakers, development experts, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and young professionals to deliberate on practical strategies for advancing youth career development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

She said the future of Nigeria depends largely on the willingness of young people to believe in themselves, develop relevant skills and become solution providers capable of driving sustainable national development.

According to her, the country's present realities should not discourage the younger generation but rather inspire them to discover opportunities hidden within challenges.

"Nigeria's situation is changeable. We must not allow our circumstances to define our future. Young people must build hope, remain resilient and stay determined in pursuing their dreams. Every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate, create value and make meaningful contributions to society," she said.

The iTeach Africa Initiative founder encouraged youths to move away from the culture of dependency by embracing entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to personal success and national progress.

"It is time for us to move from where we are to where we are supposed to be. We must begin to impact our world instead of waiting for somebody else to do it for us. Government has done its part by creating opportunities and policies, but we must also rise to contribute our quota to nation-building through enterprise, leadership and service," she stated.

Elezieanya challenged young Nigerians to cultivate resilience, discipline and sound decision-making, describing them as essential qualities for entrepreneurs and future leaders. She noted that determination and consistency remain the driving forces behind lasting success in business and public service.

Speaking on the nation's security challenges, she called on Nigerians to work together in addressing insecurity, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration among government, communities, civil society organisations and the private sector.

"Insecurity is a global phenomenon. It is not unique to Nigeria, and no single institution can solve it alone. We all have a role to play in promoting peace, strengthening our communities and supporting initiatives that foster unity and national development," she said.

She urged young people to become ambassadors of peace by promoting tolerance, responsible citizenship and community engagement, adding that national transformation requires active participation from every segment of society.

Elezieanya further explained that sustainable development can only be achieved when young people embrace leadership, innovation and civic responsibility, stressing that the country's greatest asset is its youthful population.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Abuja-based iTeach Africa Initiative to promoting good governance, inclusive leadership and youth empowerment. She noted that the organisation continues to champion increased participation of women in governance, peacebuilding and national security through strategic advocacy and partnerships.

Participants at the programme commended Elezieanya's message, describing it as timely and inspiring. They noted that the event provided practical insights into career progression, entrepreneurship and leadership, while encouraging young Nigerians to become innovators, job creators and responsible citizens.

The stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and development partners to expand access to mentorship, skills acquisition, innovation hubs and entrepreneurial opportunities, expressing optimism that sustained investment in youth development would accelerate Nigeria's socio-economic transformation and build a more prosperous future for generations to come.