Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), has criticised Nigerian politicians, saying they are more concerned with winning the next election than mentoring young people for future leadership.
Bakare made the remarks on Saturday in Ikeja, Lagos, while delivering the keynote address at the “Passing the Torch Mentorship Initiative,” organised to mark the 60th birthday of its convener, Idorenyen Enang.
He said many of Nigeria’s current challenges stem from institutional neglect and a steady erosion of values, particularly among young people who lack proper guidance and mentorship.
According to him, while many youths are highly educated, exposed, and technologically aware, a significant number still struggle with direction due to the absence of structured mentorship.
“The consequences are visible everywhere,” he said, stressing that leadership in Nigeria has become overly focused on political cycles rather than long-term nation building.
Bakare urged leaders to prioritise mentoring the next generation, noting that sustainable nation building depends on leadership continuity and intentional succession planning.
He referenced historical Nigerian leaders to support his point, noting that leadership legacies were once deliberately transferred across generations. He cited Obafemi Awolowo, saying his political structures helped shape leaders such as the late Bola Ige, Lateef Jakande, and Adekunle Ajasin.
He also mentioned Sir Ahmadu Bello for grooming Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and noted that the ideas of Nnamdi Azikiwe influenced generations of political thought, even though institutional continuity has weakened over time.
He lamented that Nigeria has gradually lost strong systems for trans-generational leadership development, adding that mentorship should not be complicated but is often avoided because people are either unwilling to mentor or be mentored.
Bakare praised the celebrant, describing Enang as a strong example of purposeful mentorship who has impacted many lives through leadership development initiatives. He also noted that the decision to host a mentorship-focused event, rather than a lavish celebration, reflected true commitment to nation building.
In his remarks, Idorenyen Enang, founder and CEO of Corporate Shepherds Limited and convener of the Passing the Torch Initiative, said Nigeria still has the capacity to rebuild values and replicate the successes of earlier generations.
He said there is an urgent need for value reorientation, especially among young people, stressing that mentorship remains key to leadership continuity and national development.
Enang expressed gratitude for reaching 60 years and reaffirmed his commitment to producing future leaders through structured mentorship platforms.
Panelists at the event, including Dr. Ini Abimbola, Julia Oku-Jacks, Femi Odugbemi, Ayo Adio, and moderator Fola Niyi-Duale, also emphasised the importance of mentorship in national development. They agreed that effective mentorship must be rooted in strong values and institutional support, not just individual effort.
The event also featured the launch of a book titled “60 Navigational Truth”. Book reviewer Charles Odenigbo described it as a powerful resource capable of inspiring transformation across all levels of society, including leadership and correctional institutions.
