The popular phrase, “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow.” has been on since human existence and It has been repeated so much that it almost sounds like a fact. But in today’s world, many young people are asking: Why tomorrow? Why not today?
With the changing society, it’s becoming clear that young people are not just the future. they are already making an impact. So, are young people really the leaders of tomorrow, or should we start seeing them as the leaders of today?
1. The Old System Says “Tomorrow”
In many parts of the world, especially in Nigeria, leadership has always been associated with experience, age, and seniority. The belief is that young people need to “wait their turn” and learn from older leaders before stepping into power. In politics, business, and even family settings, the elders are in charge, and the youth are expected to be patient.
This is why many young Nigerians feel sidelined in governance. Despite being the largest population group, they are often told they are “not ready” to lead. Instead, they are expected to keep preparing for a future that seems to keep shifting further away.
2. The Reality: Young People Are Already Leading
The idea that young people should wait for tomorrow does not match today’s reality. Around the world, young people are already leading in different sectors:
Politics: Some young people have defied the norm and stepped into leadership positions. In countries like Finland, Chile, and New Zealand, young politicians are making decisions at the highest level. In Nigeria, young activists and political aspirants are challenging the system, proving that leadership is not about age but capacity.
Business and Innovation: Some of the biggest companies today were started by young people. Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his 20s. Nigerian entrepreneurs like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Flutterwave) and Odunayo Eweniyi (PiggyVest) have built businesses that are changing lives. These young minds didn’t wait for “tomorrow” to lead—they started early and are making an impact.
Social Movements: From climate change to human rights, young people are leading global movements. The #EndSARS protest in Nigeria was one of the biggest youth-led movements in recent history, showing that young people are not waiting for permission to demand change.
3. The Challenges Young Leaders Face
Despite these successes, young leaders still face many obstacles. The system is not designed to hand over power easily, and many older leaders don’t want to step aside. Some common challenges include:
Lack of opportunities: Many young people have the ideas and energy to lead, but they are not given the chance. Whether in politics, business, or community leadership, the doors are often closed to them.
Financial constraints: In a country like Nigeria, running for political office requires money—lots of it. Most young people cannot afford it, making it difficult to compete with older, wealthier candidates.
Stereotypes: Society sometimes sees young people as inexperienced, reckless, or incapable of making good decisions. This mindset makes it harder for them to be taken seriously.
4. Why Leadership Should Start Today
If young people are already making an impact, why keep calling them “leaders of tomorrow”? The truth is that leadership is not about waiting but about taking responsibility.
Leadership is about influence, not just position: You don’t need to be a governor or president to be a leader. A young person running a successful business, leading a community project, or inspiring change through activism is already leading.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed: If young people keep waiting, who says tomorrow will come? The future is shaped by the actions taken today.
New problems need fresh ideas: The world is changing fast, and old ways of thinking are not always effective. Young people bring fresh ideas, creativity, and energy that can solve today’s problems in new ways.
While it’s true that young people will shape the future, it’s also true that they are shaping the present. They are not just preparing to lead they are already leading in their own ways.
The challenge now is for society to stop seeing youth leadership as something for “tomorrow” and start giving young people the opportunities they deserve today. At the same time, young people must also take responsibility, develop themselves, and prove that they are capable of leading.
Leadership is not about age, instead, it’s about action. And young people are already taking action.
