Dr. Ibilola Amao, Principal Consultant, Lonadek Global Services.
At 65, Nigeria is more than a nation; it is a living story of resilience, reinvention and boundless energy. From the dawn of independence in 1960 to this very moment, resiliant Nigerians have faced storms and seized opportunities.
Today, the question is no longer whether Nigeria can endure, it is about how Nigeria can thrive, sustainably and inclusively, in a rapidly changing world.
The future of Nigeria lies in how best Nigeria can leverage ber people power, energy and technology to harness her critical resources (mineral and natural resources).
Over dependence on only the oil and gas sector had become an archilles heel that long defined a dysfunctional Nigerian economy with a leadership that thrived on rent seeking. Today, however, the raw human potential, if harnessed, can provide answers to the multidimensional problems that plague the nation. With vision, the productive energies of Nigeria’s teeming youth can propel the country and indeed Africa into a new era of prosperity.
The Power of Youth & Gen Z
More than 60% of Nigerians are under the age of 25. This Gen Z generation is not just the future, they are the present. They are digital natives, creators and entrepreneurs. From fintech to fashion, from music to technology, from STEM to TECH, they are already exporting Nigeria’s brilliance to the world.
Nigeria’s task is simple, yet urgent: empower Gen-Z’s not only as job seekers but as job creators. With the right policies, skills training, Human Capital Development Initiatives (HCDIs), access to finance and digital infrastructure, Nigeria’s youth can become the architects of Africa’s competitive advantage within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Digital Transformation as Fuel
Digital transformation is not a slogan. It is the lifeblood of sustainable growth. It has the power to expand access to healthcare and education. It can create industries and build bridges of commerce across borders.
Within the AfCFTA, digital platforms can connect a Nigerian farmer to a Kenyan buyer, a Lagos fintech to a South African investor, or a young content creator in Kano to global audiences. This is the Africa that is being built with Nigerian talent leading in multi-sectors. An Africa without barriers, powered by connectivity and creativity is the vision Africans must collaboratively catch. Through collaboration between the home-based and diaspora the African Rennaisance will thrive.
Policy for Progress
Vision must be anchored in action. Nigeria at 65 requires bold, deliberate policies that would unleash the full potential of her home-based and diaspora who are beat positioned to tackle:
- Energy Transition – Accelerate renewable investments to electrify communities and meet climate commitments.
- Digital Infrastructure – Expand broadband, deploy 5G, and close the urban-rural divide.
- Education Reform – Align curricula with STEM, entrepreneurship, and critical skills for a digital future.
- AfCFTA Optimization – Harmonize trade policies, digitize customs, and empower SMEs to compete continentally.
- Youth Inclusion – Create platforms where Gen Z voices shape decisions. Not tomorrow, but today.
Nigeria at the Heart of Africa’s Future
At 65, with an estimated population of 240 million and over 150 million youth, Nigeria should look beyond celebrating a milestone to redefining and accepting a mandate. A mandate to lead, to innovate, and to inspire. By harnessing the energy of Nigerians, embracing digital transformation and pursuing visionary policies, Nigeria can ignite sustainable growth. Nigeria needs to grow up in her leadership role. Not only for herself, but for Africa as a whole.
Now is the time to admit that energy is not just in oil wells, it is in people and other resources (minerals and natural). The future of Nigeria is in creativity and innovation with the Gen-Z at the core of her Transformation. It is in the capacity of Nigerians to adapt and to lead based on the various problems that need to be overcome.0
The future is young.
The future is digital
The future is African and Nigerian
Nigeria, at 65, must light the way for a brighter Africa.
Woman-Owner: Dr. Ibilola Amao, Ph.D, BSc, FIoD, FEI, FNSE & FIM Principal
Consultant, STEM/TECH Specialist & Entrepreneur since 1991.
Focus: Entrepreneurship, Energy Transition, Digital Transformation, Sustainability, STEM, Diversity & Innovation.
Girls in STEM, Women in Engineering, Energy and Entrepreneurship Advocate.
