Integrity, Courage Essential for Future Leaders, Akinwande Tells MAPOLY Students

A member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Ajibola Akinwande, has urged Nigerian youths to actively participate in the country’s democratic process, stressing that young people must move beyond voting to becoming key players in legislative engagement and nation-building.

Akinwande made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Students’ Representative Council Legislative Summit held at the institution in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking on the theme, “Youth as Catalysts for Change: Advancing Democratic Governance Through Legislative Engagement,” Akinwande said Nigeria’s youthful population must begin to influence policies and governance by understanding the legislative process and participating in civic activities.

The Guest Speakers at the event included, Comrade Kehinde Tajudeen, lecturer, department of Mass Communication Institute of Technology Igbesa, Comrade Olamide Lawal, SA to Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Amb. Dr. Rotimi Taylor-George, SA to Ogun State Governor.

Addressing the students, the estate surveyor and valuer, who is also an alumnus of the institution, noted that while over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35, young people are often absent where critical decisions affecting their future are made.

He described youths as catalysts capable of transforming society through innovation, leadership and active participation rather than waiting for opportunities.

According to him, legislation goes beyond lawmaking, explaining that it serves as a mechanism for solving societal problems, representing citizens, ensuring accountability and protecting public resources.

Akinwande encouraged students to take legislative matters seriously, noting that virtually every aspect of their lives—from education and tuition to employment, taxation, housing and the digital economy—is influenced by laws enacted by legislators.

“Democracy does not begin and end on election day. Voting gives you a voice, but your continuous engagement gives that voice influence,” he said.

He identified five practical ways youths can advance democratic governance through legislative engagement, including understanding the legislative process, participating beyond elections, holding elected representatives accountable, developing policy-making capacity, and preparing for leadership with integrity.

Akinwande also challenged the students to reject common misconceptions that often discourage young people from aspiring to leadership, insisting that age, financial status or lack of political connections should never be barriers to public service.

Drawing from his personal journey, he recounted his rise from serving as President of the Estate Management Students Association at MAPOLY and a student senator under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to becoming the Best Graduating Student in the School of Environmental Studies, Student Union President during his university days, a Chartered Estate Surveyor and Valuer, and currently General Manager of a leading real estate firm.

He attributed his achievements to consistent preparation and self-development, emphasizing that “when preparation meets opportunity, success becomes inevitable.”

Akinwande urged the students to prioritize integrity, competence, empathy, vision and courage, describing the qualities as essential attributes of effective legislators and leaders.

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