The Executive Director of the FutureNow Initiative, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh, has called for the deliberate mentoring of Nigerian youths before any transfer of political power, arguing that such preparation is essential for achieving genuine democracy.
Sajoh made the remarks while delivering the second keynote address at the 5th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture and Awards, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Nigerian National Merit House in Maitama, Abuja.
He emphasized that leadership handed over without proper guidance could lead to dangerous outcomes. According to him, Nigeria currently operates like a “transactional entity” in which wealth and personal gain overshadow public interest.
“We weaponize poverty to ascend to power, and when we get power, we accumulate more resources while the people grow poorer,” he said.
The former Adamawa State Commissioner for Information criticized the political elite for abandoning meaningful dialogue and disregarding fundamental principles of governance. Leadership, he insisted, “is a responsibility, not a right.”
He also questioned the accountability mechanisms within Nigeria’s political structure, highlighting the contradiction between constitutional guarantees and the lived reality of citizens who often cannot access their rights.
“Why say people are entitled to certain rights in the Constitution, yet they cannot hold the government accountable when those rights are denied?” he asked.
Sajoh further challenged the credibility of political parties in the country, wondering whether they truly function as institutions with ideology and character.
“Do we have real political parties in the true sense of political parties? If our parties lack character, how then do we begin to hold them accountable?” he said.
The event also featured awards recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions. Honorees included:
Good Governance (Governor of the Year): H.E. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
Public Sector Person of the Year: Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
Humanitarian Service Award: Mary Dinah Foundation
Media Person of the Year (TV): Aaron Atsahyel
Media Person of the Year (Radio): Maryann Okon
Brand of the Year: Centre for Memories
Promising Entertainer (Music): Ugochukwu Uneabunso (Une 50)
Business Person of the Year: Chief Chukwudi Nnaji
Frontier Person Award: Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh
Literary Icon Award: Abuja Literary Society
Tech Person of the Year: Gbenga Sesan
Sports Icon of the Year: Barr. Amobi Ezeaku
Lifetime Achievement Award: H.E. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo
Other highlights were a saxophone performance and live musical entertainment.