Nigeria, a country where over 70% of the population are between 18-40 years and the conversation around youth inclusion in governance has lingered for decades, always discussed, but rarely implemented. Successive administrations often paid lip service to the empowerment of young Nigerians, sidelining them when real decision making and powerful political positions mattered. But that narrative is undergoing a quiet revolutional surgery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a fresh face championing the cause; Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son.
While it is common in Nigeria to view the offspring of leaders as symbolic figures, Seyi Tinubu is proving himself exceptionally otherwise. His increasing political visibility, quiet coordination, and firm alignment with youth causes laced with down to earth humility have earned him the popular tag: “Youthful & Useful.”
The Pre-Tinubu Era: Promises Without Power
Hitherto Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President, youth inclusion in governance in Nigeria was largely ceremonial. The “Not Too Young To Run” law, (was, and still is,) a step in the right direction, but then, not matched with political will. Nigerian youths were often relegated to campaign crowds and crumbs, social media propagandists, or board members at the very least, with no real decision-making authority.
Important appointments, like ministers, executives, executive aides, board chairs, MDs/CEOs and DGs; were overwhelmingly occupied by older political elites. The disconnect created frustration, apathy, and an increasing sense of exclusion among Nigeria’s young population.
Seyi Tinubu’s Youthful and Useful Role
When President Tinubu assumed office, there were skepticisms and palpables about whether the Renewed Hope Agenda would translate into meaningful inclusion for young people in government. But behind the scenes, a youthful and useful figure began playing a big role; coordinating, networking, and influencing. That figure is Seyi Tinubu.
Despite not holding any official government position, ST or King of Boys (as he’s fondly called amongst close circle) began meaningfully using his proximity to power to advocate, recommend, and influence the appointments of capable young Nigerians into federal positions. His deep engagement with youth groups, political think tanks, tech entrepreneurs, and grassroots mobilizers has repositioned him as the de facto liaison between young Nigerians and the federal government.
More than a political observer, he is a bridge between legacy and the future; between the older generation that built Nigeria’s political foundations and the new generation poised to redefine its destiny.
Youth in Power: Names, Directly or Indirectly Influenced By King of Boys
President Tinubu’s administration have, under the influence of its Renewed Hope Agenda appointed several young Nigerians into strategic and important appointments, marking a clear departure from the past. Some notable appointments include:
Hon. Ayodele Olawande – Minister of Youth Development, a passionate grassroots mobilizer and youth advocate is the first Minister of Youth who is actually a youth to ever occupy the office, since 1999.
Charles Odii, Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), an energetic young man appointed in October 2023.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu – EVC/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), appointed at just 32, leading innovation efforts is a clear testimony.
Mark C. Okoye – Managing Director, South East Development Commission appointed at 39 to lead the regional development commission.
Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo – Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) appointed in 2024 in his early 40s.
Tijani Bosun – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, a young man and respected tech guru, symbolizing youth-led Nigeria’s Ministry of digital economy.
Barr. Ismael Ahmed – a known and renowned youth advocate and former APC National Youth Leader appointed the Executive Chairman, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).
Usoro Akpabio, young lady appointed the MD of South South Development Commission.
Princess Atika Ajanah, also a young lady appointed Executive Director of North Central Development Commission.
All the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria have representative as Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement; from Yakasai to Abdul Jazzy, Essiet and Gift, Chioma with Moremi are all young people. The PWD were not left out as Abba, my own friend also appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President on PWD. And all these appointments directly influenced by ST.
Numerous young Nigerians have been appointed Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Executive Directors and Director Generals etc. all currently serving under this APC led administration to of Asiwaju to state few.
These appointments, influenced in full or partly by Seyi Tinubu’s advocacy for youth Inclusion in Asiwaju’s administration, reflect a clear intent to mainstreaming youth capacity into national development.
More Than Just a President’s Son
Is was not surprising to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu showering birthday encomiums on Seyi, his son. What distinguishes Barrister Seyi Tinubu nonetheless, is his understanding of modern youth culture in politics, tech, media, enterprise, and strategic activism. He speaks the language of our generation with action, yet remains grounded in the political architecture of his father’s legacy. While detractors may reduce his influence to nepotism, his consistent engagement and policy-driven influences says otherwise.
To many Nigerian youths, he has become a symbol of the Renewed Hope mantra of his father, particularly among politically disengaged youth, signaling that young Nigerians can have access to real power and use it for positive change.
A Champion of our Generation
The phrase “Youthful & Useful” isn’t just about age, it’s about impact, purpose, and positive influence. Seyi Tinubu no doubt, has helped elevate youth concerns to the heart of governance, turning passive complaints into sustainable success. In doing so, he is becoming a generational symbol of youth leadership and role model in action and not theory.
His influence underpins a broader change for the youths: as we move from campaign sidelines to cabinet meetings, from social media advocacy to statecraftmen, and from marginal roles to policy and decision makers.
*Conclusion: Tribute & Prayer For Seyi Tinubu @ 40*
Seyi Tinubu, a shining light of our generation. Your humility, vision, and tireless commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion in governance continue to inspire millions of Nigerian youth. You embody leadership with purpose, service with heart, and impact with grace.
You’re a true symbol of Renewed Hope for Nigerian Youth!
As you mark 40 years on earth, may it usher in greater wisdom, divine protection, and unending Lord’s favor. May your influence continue to uplift young people and strengthen our nation’s future. The Lord will bless your path, enlarge your coast, and make you a greater vessel of positive change.
Happy Birthday, Long Life With Prosperity Amen
Zubair Aliyu Rogun
APC Zonal Youth Leader,
North Central Geopolitical Zone
apczonalyouthleadernc@gmail.com
