Obasanjo, Gowon….politicians who held top leadership positions in their 30s

Nigeria has a traditional perception that leadership is primarily reserved for the elderly. As a result, the percentage of elderly individuals in leadership positions is significant. This means that the country might be practicing gerontocracy, where age is associated with wisdom and authority, which can discourage younger individuals from pursuing political roles and participating in governance.

This belief is deeply rooted in cultural norms that equate age with wisdom and experience. This article challenges the notion that youth cannot lead effectively by showcasing young leaders who have significantly shaped Nigeria’s history before and in their 30s. By highlighting their contributions, we hope to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to embrace leadership roles and actively participate in governance.

The first person on our list is Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa). Nnamdi Azikiwe born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Nigeria, pursued his education in Nigeria and the United States. He earned degrees in political science and journalism from institutions like Lincoln University.

In 1934 (Age 30), he returned to Nigeria after working as the editor of the African Morning Post in Ghana, where he promoted nationalist ideas and Pan-Africanism. In 1937 (Age 33), he became the editor of the West African Pilot. With this platform, he advocates for Nigerian independence and social reforms. In 1944 at Age 40, he co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a significant political force advocating for self-governance.

Impact: Azikiwe’s early activism and leadership helped galvanize support for Nigeria’s independence movement. His efforts laid a strong foundation for his later achievements, including becoming Nigeria’s first Governor-General in 1960 and its first President in 1963. As he famously stated, “We must fight for our rights and our freedom,” encouraging Nigerian youths to engage actively in leadership roles. “No matter how old an individual may be, whether young or old if he thinks in accordance with the times, he is immortal.” This quote emphasises the importance of progressive thinking and adaptability in leadership roles.

Shehu Shagari

Shagari was born on February 25, 1925, in Shagari, Sokoto State, Nigeria. He began his education in a Quranic school and later attended Yabo Elementary School and Kaduna College. After a brief stint as a teacher, he entered politics in 1951.

In 1954 at age 29, he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, marking his entry into national politics. In 1958 (Age 33), he was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and later served as Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries. In 1971 (Age 46), he served as the Federal Commissioner for Economic Development, where he focused on national development initiatives, particularly in education and agriculture.

Impact: Shagari’s contributions were vital to Nigeria’s post-independence governance. He played a significant role in shaping policies that promoted education and agricultural development. His presidency from 1979 to 1983 was marked by efforts to stabilize the economy during the oil crisis and promote national unity. Despite challenges, he is remembered for his integrity and commitment to democratic principles.

Yakubu Gowon

Background: Yakubu Gowon was born on 19 October 1934 in Pankshin, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1954 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Second Lieutenant on his 21st birthday. By 1966, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 In 1966 (Age 31), following a military coup, Gowon became Nigeria’s youngest Head of State. His leadership was immediately tested by ethnic tensions and violence, particularly against the Igbo people.

In 1967 (Age 32), he declared a state of emergency and divided Nigeria into 12 states to mitigate regional tensions. This decision was pivotal as it aimed to weaken the secessionist movement led by Colonel Ojukwu. From 1967 to 1970 (Ages 32-35), he navigated Nigeria through the Civil War (Biafran War), which resulted from the declaration of independence by the Eastern Region.

Impact: Gowon’s leadership during this critical period was marked by his famous declaration of “no victor, no vanquished” after the Civil War ended in January 1970. His policies aimed at reconciliation and rebuilding the nation were significant, although they faced challenges in implementation. He is credited with establishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and promoting infrastructural development, including the Kainji Dam project. Despite criticisms regarding governance and corruption, his tenure is often viewed as a time of national unity amidst turmoil.

Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo was 39 when he became active in politics and leadership. He was born on 5 March 1937 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958 after completing his education at Baptist Boys’ High School. His military training took place in Nigeria and abroad, where he specialised in engineering.

Leadership in His 30s: In 1975 (Age 38), he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing in Murtala Muhammed’s military government, where he oversaw significant infrastructure projects. In 1976 (Age 39), following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed, Obasanjo became Nigeria’s Head of State.

He implemented various reforms aimed at transitioning Nigeria toward civilian rule. Also, in 1977 (Age 40), he established the Constitution Drafting Committee and organised the Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution, laying the groundwork for democratic governance.

Impact: Obasanjo’s leadership during this critical period was marked by significant infrastructural development and policy reforms. He is credited with initiating programmes like “Operation Feed the Nation,” aimed at enhancing food security. His commitment to restoring civilian rule culminated in the peaceful transfer of power to Shehu Shagari in 1979, making him the first military ruler in Africa to hand over power to an elected government.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Tafawa Balewa became active in politics at age 34. He was born in December 1912 in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria. Reports indicated that he came from a modest background; his father was a minor official in the British colonial administration. Balewa received his early education at Tafawa Balewa and Bauchi Middle School before attending Katsina Teachers Training College, graduating in 1933. He later studied at the London University Institute of Education.

Leadership in His 30s: In 1946 (Age 34), he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly, marking his entry into formal politics and allowing him to represent Northern interests. In 1951 (Age 39), he became a minister in the Northern Region’s government, where he advocated for reforms and self-governance.

At age 42, he was appointed Federal Minister of Works and Transport, overseeing significant infrastructure projects that contributed to national development.

Impact: As Nigeria’s first Prime Minister from 1957 until his assassination in 1966, Balewa focused on national unity and infrastructure development. He was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, promoting African unity, and advocating for independence movements across the continent. His legacy includes his efforts to foster cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and his role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Lessons for Nigerian Youth

History has shown that many influential Nigerian leaders began their political careers in their 30s or even earlier. Their contributions serve as a powerful reminder that youth can significantly influence their nation’s trajectory. Leaders such as Shehu Shagari and Yakubu Gowon navigated critical periods in Nigeria’s history, demonstrating that young leaders can tackle complex issues and promote national unity.

The potential of youth in leadership roles is immense. According to Dr Ken Giami, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Organisation, during a Leadership Summit held on August 23-24, 2024, youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the leaders of today. He stated, “The time to lead is now.” His call to action urged young Nigerians to embrace their potential and actively engage in shaping the nation’s future.