Nigeria Must Stop Seeing Young People As Beneficiaries, Start Treating Them As Builders – D’Bush Alebiosu

Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s approach to youth development, urging leaders to empower young people as active contributors to national development rather than mere beneficiaries of government policies.

The former member of the House of Representatives famously known as D’ Bush said Nigeria must create an environment where young people can develop their abilities, build businesses, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The popular name in the grassroots politics of Lagos state said the country’s large youthful population represented a significant opportunity that required deliberate investment in education, skills development and access to opportunities.

“We must challenge our young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of Nigeria’s future, but as its builders,” he stated in an interview with Daily Sun.

He urged the government and other stakeholders to encourage young Nigerians to become “problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of opportunities,” rather than concentrating on identifying the country’s shortcomings.

According to connected politician who represented Kosofe Federal Constituency between 2007 and 2015, the responsibility of young people should extend beyond asking what is wrong with Nigeria to considering what they can do to make it better.

Alebiosu stressed that quality education, relevant skills and opportunities to establish businesses were essential to enabling young Nigerians realise their potential and contribute to national development.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, he said the country had recorded significant progress in several areas, including education, telecommunications, financial services, transportation and infrastructure.

He noted that digital technology had transformed how Nigerians communicate, learn, work and conduct business, creating opportunities that were largely unavailable decades ago.

However, Senior cabinet member credited with game-changing projects on Lagos Waterfronts maintained that the country still had considerable room for growth, particularly in expanding access to quality education and ensuring that development opportunities reached more citizens.

He also called for greater attention to children and people with special needs, arguing that every child deserved an opportunity to discover their potential, acquire relevant skills and contribute to society.

The face of the politics of Kosofe area of Lagos state said Nigeria could not afford to neglect any segment of its population while seeking sustainable development.

On leadership, D’Bush said public office should be understood as an opportunity to serve, solve problems and strengthen institutions rather than an end in itself.

“Leadership should be measured by the institutions we build, the problems we solve and the opportunities we create for the people,” he insisted.

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And, added that national development required effective oversight, strong institutions and sustained implementation of policies, warning that legislation alone could not transform society without commitment to execution.

The Lagos commissioner urged Nigerians to recognise their shared responsibility for the country’s future, stressing that building a better nation required contributions from government, the private sector, civil society and ordinary citizens.

“The future of this country cannot be left entirely to government. Every Nigerian has a role to play,” the professional in politics asserted.