Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
A new youth leadership and civic development movement, CIVITAS Nigeria, has officially launched in Delta State with a bold mission to inspire patriotism, responsible citizenship and raise a new generation of ethical, responsible and future-ready leaders across the country.
The landmark event, hosted by Leadership Impact for Transformation (LIFT) Nigeria, took place in Agbor, Delta State, and attracted hundreds of students from 19 public and private secondary schools, alongside teachers, school administrators, parents, community leaders, faith leaders, and stakeholders from the education sector.
With the theme, “Igniting a New Generation of Civic Leadership in Nigeria,” the gathering focused on the urgent need to equip young Nigerians with the mindset, values, discipline, and leadership capacity required to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
The event comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s national journey with increasing attention on youth empowerment, civic values, ethical leadership, social responsibility and the need to intentionally prepare younger generations for constructive participation in society.
Organisers unveiled CIVITAS as a transformational national platform built around three core pillars – Identity, Agency and Stewardship – noting that these three pillars form the foundation of the CIVITAS model and represent a practical roadmap for youth development in modern Nigeria.
“Identity focuses on helping young people understand who they are, their values, purpose, potential, and responsibilities as citizens.
“Agency is centred on empowering students with confidence, initiative, voice, courage, and the practical ability to influence positive change in their schools, communities, and wider society.
“Stewardship teaches responsibility, service, accountability, leadership ethics, and the duty to care for people, institutions, and the future of the nation.
“CIVITAS is designed to move students beyond passive learning into active citizenship by helping them become thoughtful contributors, responsible decision-makers, and
solutions-oriented young leaders.
“The initiative also seeks to bridge the gap between academic education and civic readiness by developing character, discipline, teamwork, communication ability, service values, and leadership competence”, they explained.
Speaking at the event, Global Leadership Strategist, Founding Visionary and Convener of CIVITAS Nigeria, Dr Ebere Morgan, said that the initiative was created as a strategic response to the
growing need for intentional leadership formation among young Nigerians.
According to him, Nigeria’s future can not be left to chance, particularly in a country where the youth population represents one of its greatest national assets.
“CIVITAS is not just another programme. It is a movement to awaken purpose, responsibility, patriotism and leadership in young people.
“We believe that young Nigerians possess the power to shape the future of this country. Our task is to equip them with the character, competence, courage, and civic consciousness required to lead positive
change,” he said.
Dr Morgan noted that the long-term strength of any nation depends greatly on how early it begins to cultivate leadership values in its younger generation.
He added that societies that deliberately invest in youth identity formation, civic education, and leadership capacity are often better positioned to build strong institutions and sustainable futures.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to confront ignorance, indiscipline, corruption, and civic apathy through education, values, and responsible leadership.
According to him, the CIVITAS model is not merely intended as a temporary inspiration to the students but to establish an enduring pipeline of civic-minded young people who can grow into responsible professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and nation builders.
Dr Morgan further stated that leadership should not be viewed only through the lens of political office, but as the daily capacity to influence positive outcomes, solve problems, and improve the lives of
others.
He also called on stakeholders across sectors to recognise that youth development is not a peripheral issue but one of the most strategic national priorities of any serious society.
Guest Speaker, Rev. Fr. Alex Okondugba, in a keynote address titled “The Way Forward for Nigeria,” challenged participants to move beyond passive citizenship and become active contributors to national renewal.
He noted that genuine leadership must be rooted in character, integrity, competence, and service rather than titles or positions.
“Leadership is not about power alone. A nation rises when people of character are entrusted with responsibility,” he said.
Fr. Okondugba urged the students to reject mediocrity, dishonesty, violence, indiscipline and hopelessness, while embracing learning, responsibility, faith, and personal excellence.
He expressed confidence that CIVITAS would help nurture a generation capable not only of inheriting Nigeria but rebuilding it.
“The future is not something to wait for. It is something to prepare for and create,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the CIVITAS National Director of Partnerships and Development, Mr. Anthony Monye described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria.
He encouraged students not to wait until adulthood before beginning their leadership journey.
“Leadership begins now — through discipline, kindness, responsibility, excellence, and the decisions you make daily,” he said.
Monye added that the future must be built deliberately through values, preparation, and intentional development.
He also called on parents, guardians, teachers, and community stakeholders to play active roles in shaping the attitudes, aspirations, and discipline of younger generations.
According to him, no nation can rise above the quality of values transmitted to its youth.The successful launch marks a significant milestone in the broader mission of LIFT Nigeria to deepen leadership culture, civic responsibility, patriotism, and youth development across the country.
Observers at the event described the turnout, energy, and enthusiasm of participants as a strong indication that many young Nigerians are eager for platforms that combine inspiration with practical development and real-life relevance
Organisers also announced plans for expanded national activities later this year, including broader regional rollouts, mentorship engagements, leadership workshops, community service projects, student forums, and the establishment of CIVITAS chapters in schools.
They added that future phases of the initiative would seek partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, private sector organisations, civil society groups, and development partners interested in youth advancement and nation building.
The event featured goodwill messages from public officials, education leaders, clergy, and community stakeholders, while participating students pledged to advance the values of CIVITAS within their schools and communities.
Many students expressed excitement about becoming ambassadors of positive change and sharing lessons learned with their peers.
A major highlight of the programme was the CIVITAS Pledge and the presentation of certificates to participating students representing the 19 schools in attendance.
With its successful debut in Delta State, CIVITAS is already emerging as one of the most promising youth civic leadership movements in Nigeria, with growing expectations that its impact could spread rapidly across other states in the months ahead.
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