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A new youth leadership and civic development initiative, CIVITAS Nigeria, has been launched in Agbor, Delta State, with a mission to promote responsible citizenship, patriotism and ethical leadership among young Nigerians.
The initiative, launched by Leadership Impact for Transformation (LIFT) Nigeria, brought together students from 19 public and private secondary schools, teachers, parents, community leaders, faith leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Held under the theme, “Igniting a New Generation of Civic Leadership in Nigeria,” the programme focused on equipping young people with the values, discipline, knowledge and leadership skills required to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country.
CIVITAS is built around three central pillars, Identity, Agency and Stewardship, which organisers described as the foundation of its approach to youth development.
The Identity pillar focuses on helping young people understand themselves, their values, purpose and responsibilities as citizens. Agency seeks to build confidence, initiative, courage and the capacity to influence positive change, while Stewardship promotes service, accountability, responsibility and ethical leadership.
According to the organisers, the programme is designed to move students beyond passive classroom learning into active civic participation. It seeks to develop critical thinking, teamwork, communication, discipline, character and leadership competence while encouraging young people to take responsibility for their communities.
Speaking at the launch, the Global Leadership Strategist, Founding Visionary and Convener of CIVITAS Nigeria, Dr Ebere Morgan, described the initiative as a deliberate response to the need for intentional leadership development among Nigerian youths.
Morgan said Nigeria’s large youth population represented a major national asset, adding that the country’s future would depend significantly on how effectively young people were prepared to assume leadership responsibilities.
“CIVITAS is not just another programme. It is a movement to awaken purpose, responsibility, patriotism and leadership in young people,” he said.
He added that the initiative was aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the character, competence, courage and civic consciousness required to contribute to positive change.
Morgan stressed that leadership development should begin early, noting that societies that invest in youth identity formation, civic education and leadership capacity were better positioned to build strong institutions and sustainable futures.
He also identified ignorance, indiscipline, corruption and civic apathy as challenges that require sustained attention through education, values and responsible leadership.
According to him, CIVITAS is intended to create an enduring pipeline of civic-minded young people who can eventually become responsible professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators and nation builders.
He further noted that leadership should not be restricted to political office, but should also be understood as the ability of individuals to influence positive outcomes, solve problems and improve the lives of others.
Delivering a keynote address titled “The Way Forward for Nigeria,” guest speaker Rev. Fr. Alex Okondugba challenged the students to move beyond passive citizenship and become active contributors to national development.
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He said genuine leadership should 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.
Okondugba urged the students to reject dishonesty, violence, indiscipline and hopelessness while embracing learning, responsibility, faith and personal excellence.
He expressed optimism that CIVITAS could contribute to raising a generation capable not only of inheriting Nigeria but also of rebuilding it.
“The future is not something to wait for. It is something to prepare for and create,” he added.
Also speaking, the CIVITAS National Director of Partnerships and Development, Mr Anthony Monye, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
Monye encouraged the students to begin their leadership journey immediately rather than waiting until adulthood.
“Leadership begins now, through discipline, kindness, responsibility, excellence, and the decisions you make daily,” he said.
He called on parents, guardians, teachers and community stakeholders to play active roles in shaping the attitudes, aspirations and discipline of younger generations.
The launch featured interactive sessions, discussions and workshops centred on civic responsibility, ethical leadership, identity, agency and community engagement. Students were encouraged to see themselves not merely as recipients of education but as active participants in shaping their communities.
A major highlight of the programme was the CIVITAS Pledge, during which participating students committed themselves to promoting the values of responsible citizenship in their schools and communities. Certificates were also presented to students representing the 19 schools that participated in the launch.
The event attracted goodwill messages from public officials, education leaders, clergy, community figures and other stakeholders, while students expressed enthusiasm about applying the lessons from the programme and sharing them with their peers.
The organisers said the launch marked an important step in LIFT Nigeria’s broader efforts to deepen civic responsibility, leadership culture, patriotism and youth development across the country.
They also announced plans to expand CIVITAS beyond Delta State through regional programmes, mentorship engagements, leadership workshops, community service projects, student forums and the establishment of CIVITAS chapters in schools.
Future phases, they said, would involve partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, private-sector organisations, civil society groups and development partners interested in youth development and nation-building.
The Agbor launch therefore represents the beginning of an initiative seeking to connect civic education with practical leadership development. By placing identity, agency and stewardship at the centre of its model, CIVITAS aims to encourage young Nigerians to understand their responsibilities, develop the confidence to act and embrace service as part of their contribution to society.
As the programme expands to other parts of the country, its organisers hope that the values introduced at the Delta State launch will translate into sustained engagement among students and communities, helping to prepare young people for active citizenship and leadership.
