Why our Foundation lays so much emphasis on youth development – Enahoro

 

Justin Enahoro is a philanthropist, digital transformation advocate, youth empowerment champion, and founder of the Justin Enahoro Foundation. Widely known for his inspiring mantra, “Nigeria Shall Be Great Again,” he has dedicated his life to humanitarian service, youth development, evangelism, and community transformation. In this interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, he speaks on his vision for Nigeria, prison outreaches, leadership, technology, and why he remains optimistic about the future of the nation. Excerpts:

You are widely known for the phrase, “Nigeria Shall Be Great Again.” What does that mean to you?

“Nigeria Shall Be Great Again” is more than a slogan; it is a conviction. I believe Nigeria possesses immense potential, abundant human resources, and talented young people capable of competing anywhere in the world.

Despite our challenges, I remain convinced that with visionary leadership, innovation, integrity, and collective responsibility, Nigeria can become one of the greatest nations on earth. My life’s work is centered on contributing to that vision.

One of your most notable humanitarian activities is your prison outreach programme. Tell us more about it?

This year marks the tenth consecutive year that we will be visiting the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos. Every year, we take the message and love of Jesus Christ to both the male and female correctional facilities.

We provide food, encouragement, fellowship, and practical support not only to inmates but also to correctional officers and wardens who work tirelessly within the system.

We believe everyone deserves hope, compassion, and the opportunity for transformation.

Beyond the outreach visits, what other support do you provide to inmates?

Beyond the visits, our involvement does not end after the outreach programmes, we follow up on cases involving inmates who may have been unlawfully or unjustly incarcerated. Working alongside legal practitioners, advocates, and relevant stakeholders, we help facilitate the review of such cases and support efforts aimed at securing justice.

In some situations, we have discovered individuals who had been forgotten by society, with families who believed they were no longer alive. Reuniting such individuals with their loved ones is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

Your Foundation also runs the “Operation Feed a Thousand Mouths” initiative. What inspired this programme?

The inspiration came from a simple desire to meet immediate human needs. Every month, we visit underserved communities and vulnerable locations across Lagos to distribute food and provide support.

The objective is not merely to feed people but to restore hope and dignity. Sometimes, a meal, a kind word, or simply showing someone that they are remembered can make a significant difference in their lives. We want people to know they are seen, valued, and loved.

Tell us about your Menstrual Hygiene Outreach Programme?

This initiative focuses on young girls in secondary schools. Unfortunately, many girls still face challenges associated with inadequate menstrual health education and limited access to sanitary materials.

Through this programme, we educate young girls on menstrual hygiene, challenge harmful stigmas, and distribute sanitary products to support them.

Our goal is to help them manage their menstrual cycles with confidence, dignity, and proper knowledge.

You are also actively involved in technology and artificial intelligence. Why is this important to you?

The world is changing rapidly, and technology is shaping the future of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and governance. Artificial Intelligence, in particular, is creating opportunities that were unimaginable just a few years ago. As a Digital Marketing Executive, AI Automation Specialist, and Co-Founder of S. Tech Global, I believe the Nigerian youth must be equipped with relevant digital skills if they are to remain competitive in the global economy.

How are you helping young people access these opportunities?

We launched an AI and digital skills empowerment initiative specifically designed for young Nigerians.

Our goal is to remove barriers to access. Some of our training programmes have been subsidised to as low as N5,000, while many participants receive training entirely free of charge. We teach practical, marketable skills that can help young people secure employment, build businesses, increase productivity, and create new income streams. We want them to understand that regardless of economic challenges, opportunities still exist for those who are properly equipped.

Why do you place so much emphasis on youth development?

Much emphasis on youth development cannot be swept under the carpet. This is because the future of Nigeria rests largely in the hands of its young people. If we invest in our youth today through education, mentorship, skills acquisition, leadership development, and technology, we are investing directly in the future of our nation.

Young people possess creativity, energy, and innovation. What they often need is guidance, opportunity, and the right support system.

You are known as a passionate Christian and soul winner. How has your faith influenced your work?

My faith is the foundation of everything I do. As a General in the Lord’s Army and a committed soul winner, I believe true leadership begins with service.

Jesus Christ served, demonstrated compassion, sacrifice, humility, and love for humanity. Those values continue to shape my approach to leadership, philanthropy, and nation building. Whether in prisons, schools, communities, or boardrooms, my goal is to reflect those values through meaningful impact.

You have expressed aspirations for higher leadership in Nigeria. What kind of leadership do you envision?

I envision leadership built on integrity, accountability, innovation, competence, and service. Nigeria needs leaders who prioritise the welfare of the people above personal interests.

Our nation has tremendous potential, but unlocking that potential requires courageous leadership capable of making difficult decisions while remaining committed to transparency and national development.

Through the Justin Enahoro Foundation, what legacy are you hoping to build?

The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of transformed lives. I want to be remembered as someone who empowered young people, restored hope to vulnerable communities, fought for justice, advanced technological innovation, and contributed to building a stronger Nigeria.

If through our efforts people discover purpose, communities experience positive change, and young Nigerians become leaders and solution providers, then we would have fulfilled our mission.

In conclusion, what message would you like to leave for Nigerians?

I want Nigerians to remain hopeful and positive. Nations are not transformed overnight, but progress becomes possible when citizens refuse to give up.

We must therefore, continue to invest in our youth, strengthen our institutions, embrace innovation, promote justice, and uphold values that unite us as a people.

I believe in Nigeria. I believe in the Nigerian people. And I remain convinced that with faith, determination, and collective action, our best days are ahead of us. In summary, Nigeria Shall Be Great Again.