Chairman, Board of Trustees and Founder of the Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), Shina Peller, has expressed commitment to the development of youths in the country, emphasizing the need for their active involvement in leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Speaking at the LGI Global Press Conference and Partnership Event on Friday in Abuja, Peller outlined the organization’s renewed vision to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, leadership training, and access to justice.
He recalled that LGI was founded on January 21, 2020, as a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to harness their creativity and aspirations for national development.
“With Nigeria’s population projected to reach approximately 234.6 million by July 2025, and about 70% under the age of 30, there is an urgent need to channel this youthful energy into productive engagements,” he said, citing data from MacroTrends.
Peller, a former member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, highlighted the impact of LGI’s Get Involved Leadership Training programs, which have so far empowered young leaders across various states.
These include 420 participants from Oyo State, 394 from Osun, 254 from Bauchi, 326 from Niger, 227 from Kwara, and 138 from Gombe.
Additionally, LGI partnered with the WE2GEDA Initiative to hold regional summits across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, engaging youths in Kano, Yola, Anambra, Uyo, Minna, and Lagos.
Announcing a new phase of LGI’s commitment, Peller unveiled key partnerships with Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) for youth empowerment and Call a Lawyer NG to improve access to justice.
He noted that these collaborations would provide startup support, legal assistance, and civic education to help young Nigerians overcome barriers to personal and professional growth.
To strengthen its grassroots impact, the organization has also restructured its leadership and appointed 12 new regional coordinators.
According to Peller, this move is aimed at ensuring inclusivity and fostering proactive community leadership among LGI members.
As part of its 2025 Strategic Roadmap, LGI will host Regional Leadership Summits across the six geopolitical zones, creating a platform for young people to engage in national development discussions and take ownership of the country’s progress.
“Mindful of the challenges our country faces today, the regional summits will provide opportunities for young people to stand up, stand firm, and take responsibility for the development of their communities and our nation,” Peller stated.
He encouraged young Nigerians to visit LGI’s website, www.leadgennig.com, to register and participate in the movement, stressing the importance of youth involvement in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“We invite all Nigerian youth to take a stand for your country, join us in pursuing social change, and be the change you aspire to see,” he urged.
Peller concluded by expressing gratitude to LGI’s partners, stakeholders, and the media for their continued support in driving the organization’s mission forward.
President of AYE Organization, Dr Summy Smart, represented by the Partners Relations Manager AYE Organization, Atuzie Favour Tuzzi, said the African Young Entrepreneurs is an ecosystem that has over 25,000 entrepreneurs across Africa present in 20 countries in Africa as well.
She said they were ready to work with LGI and create better impacts for Nigeria and the world at large.
The event ended with a question-and-answer session, during which Peller reiterated LGI’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, just, and prosperous Nigeria.
