Youths, Nigeria's Greatest Asset – Faleye

*** Says Social Protectionnis Bedrock of National Development 

Dr. Dayo Alao, GM)TA MD Office NSITF represented the MD 

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset, rather than mineral resources, infrastructure and money. 

Barrister Faleye made this submission in his speech as a guest speaker at the Student Mentorship Summit, 2006 organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in Abuja, Thursday.

In his words, "In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital, it is our people. More specifically, it is our youth - energetic, innovative, and fullof potential."

The MD added that to nurture that asset, the youth need guidance and support to achieve that potential. According to him, "potential alone is not enough; we need to guide, support, and protect it.”

“This event is part of our shared journey to shape Nigeria's future where our young people are not just equipped with skills, but also empowered to lead across sectors, drive innovation, and create sustainable progress," he stressed.

The NSITF boss, who was represented at the occasion by his Technical Assistant, Dr Dayo Alao, argued that empowering youth with the right tools, skills, and vision has become non-negotiable for national progress, adding that young people must be empowered to lead across all sectors.

He went on to suggest a to-do list, saying "We need to change the orientation of our youth, we need to shift from a mindset of entitlement to one of responsibility, from dependency to self-reliance, from consumption to production. 

“We need to inspire them to be job creators, not just job seekers, and encourage them to be innovators solving real-world problems, not just chasing certificates. We need to empower them to be leaders, driving change in their communities, not just waiting for opportunities to come to them."

Striking a nexus between social protection and the youth and national development he said, "As the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, I'm proud of the role we continue to play - not just as a provider of social security, but as a strategic enabler of workforce resilience and national development.

“We're talking about creating a safety net that's not just reactive, but proactive supporting entrepreneurs, protecting workers, and promoting a culture of safety and productivity. 

“Investing in youth development is inseparable from investing in social protection. A protected workforce is a productive workforce, and that's what drives national prosperity."

"This is where the idea of sky bound leadership becomes not just relevant, but essential. It challenges us to rise above limitations, to think beyond silos, beyond sectors, and beyond the present. It calls for a generation of leaders who see connections where others see divisions, anticipate the future rather than react to it, and build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable systems. We must raise a generation of systems thinkers. Young leaders who understand how decisions in one sector affect outcomes in another," he submitted.

"Social security is not merely a safety net; it is a foundation for national development. Our mandate at the NSITF goes beyond compensation. It extends to ensuring workplace safety, promoting decent work standards, and protecting the dignity and productivity of the Nigerian worker," Faleye added, as he reiterated the Fund's commitment to expanding coverage of it's social protection and ensuring safe workplace.

He made a case for making social security a powerful driver of youth empowerment and national development, and the anchor of stability as he urged a proactive multi-sector approach to youth development and mentorship.

"The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built, and sustained.," he concluded.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Publicity Secretary of NANS, and convener of the event, Comrade Samson Ajasa, had said the vision of the Students Mentorship Summit was framed in the need to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities that abound locally and internationally.

Providing more insight on the background of the Summit, Ajasa revealed that the success of the maiden edition held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye last October led to the follow-up edition.

According to him, the Students Mentorship Summit 2026, themed “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy,” represents a bold step forward. 

“The theme itself speaks to ambition skybound. It reminds us that the aspirations of Nigerian youths must not be limited by circumstances but propelled by knowledge, mentorship, and innovation," he summed.

The Nigerian student union body presented the Managing Director of NSITF, Barrister Faleye, with the Social Protection Champion Award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Fund's helmsman.

The event, held at the Merit House, Maitama had in attendance heads of MDAs, captains of industry, leaders of thought.

Dr Ulayi Inducted as Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

Dr Emmanuel Ulayi

Dr Emmanuel Slaying has been inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR).

Ulayi was inducted as a member of the prestigious institute alongside 481 other prominent Nigerians at the Bolingo Hotels, Abuja on Thursday.

The inductee, a journalist with over 25 years experience worked with many notable platforms including Vanguard newspapers and served as Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the former governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade between 2015-2023.

Ulayi, a political scientist, capped his academic pursuit with a PhD in Political Economy and Development from the University of Calabar having studied for his Bachelors in Political Science and Masters in Political Economy at Ado-Ekiti and Abuja respectively.

He currently works in the Corporate Affairs Department of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) where he is deploying his vast experience and wide contact in the media industry for effective communication of the Fund's policies, programmes and achievements.

Dr Ulayi with another inductee

Speaking after his induction, Dr Ulayi thanked the Board of NIPR for "recognizing my humble contributions to national development through effective communication."

He noted that the challenges facing the publicist have become more complex with the advent of the New Media. He promised to be more committed than ever in his duty as a publicist 

Ulayi has authored many books and articles. A widely travelled man, Dr Ulayi is married with children.

.Other inductees included Mr Ikenna Egwuatu, Mr Leke Bayewu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, former President of National Association of Women in Journalist s, (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, and Chairperson of FCT chapter of NUJ, Grace Ike.

The occasion was witnessed by members of the Institute, media moguls and other stakeholders.

International Women Day: NSITF Boss Bags TUC Award of Excellence.

The Trade Union Congress Nigeria Women Commission has presented the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his visionary leadership and contributions to women development and commitment to gender equity.

Presenting the Award of Excellence at International Women Day Celebration and Award Night, the Chairperson, TUC Nigeria Women Commission, Comrade Esther Asabe Ahmadu, said Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye deserved the award because of his "visionary leadership, integrity and outstanding service, which have inspired progress and lasting impact."

She stated further that the award was in appreciation of Faleye's "unwavering support, and strong commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting decent work, and protecting the rights and dignity of women in the world of work."

Comrade Ahmadu added that the recipient "has  demonstrated a deep understanding of inclusive and equitable workplace through his visionary leadership and consistent support for initiatives that empower women,  promote fairness, and strengthen social protection for workers.”

While receiving the award, Faleye  expressed gratitude to the TUC Women Commission for recognizing his humble efforts. He dedicated the award to the "hard-working staff of the renewed NSITF" without whom he said, nothing could have been achieved.

Faleye reiterated his commitment to advancing gender inclusiveness and equality, and promotion of safe and healthy workplace for all workers.

The award night which held in Abuja Wednesday, capped a series of activities by the Commission in commemoration of 2026 International Women Day.

Empowering Women, An Economic And Social Necessity --Faleye

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye 

"Empowering women is not simply a moral obligation--it is an economic and social necessity." These were the words of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye at this year's celebration of International Women Day, (IWD) organized by the Trade Union Congress Women Commission in Abuja, Wednesday.

Barrister Faleye, the special guest of honour at the event described the theme of the 2026 commemoration, "Empowering Women: The Path to Equal Rights and Social Justice," as "both timely and significant." 

"When women are empowered with equal opportunities, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protection, societies become more stronger and economies grow more resilient." He submitted.

The NSITF boss commended the Women Commission for consistency in championing the "cause of women within the labour movement and doe creating a platform that amplifies the voices, concerns, and aspirations of women across our workplaces and communities.'

Barrister Faleye, while acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian women to national development, however, lamented that many women still faced barriers limiting their access to opportunities. He affirmed the Fund's commitment to promoting a safe workplace for women and all workers.

The MD urged a reaffirmation of commitment by stakeholders to "building a future where every woman has opportunity to work in a safe environment, earn a fair income, and participate fully in decision-making processes that shaped our economy and society."

In his address at the occasion, the President-General of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo, agreed with Barrister Faleye as he noted that, "Women remain pivotal contributors to our workplaces, our communities, and our nation's progress.'

He likewise rued the inequalities facing women even as he revealed that the TUC had taken bold steps to end inequalities and institutionalize gender inclusion.

In the same vein, Dr. Vanessa Phala Moyo,  Country Director for International Labour Organization, (ILO) in Nigeria stateed that "International Women Day offers the world an annual opportunity to recognise women's achievements, confront persistent inequalities, and reaffirm our collective commitment to social justice."

She called attention to "structural barriers that continued to hinder women's full enjoyment of rights in the world of work", which she said, should be a call to action for all.

Comrade Esther Saabe Ahmadu, Chairperson, TUC Nigeria Women Commission summed up in her remarks, "As we reflect on the struggles and triumph of women across the globe, it is clear that while we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are not only seen and heard but also empowered in every sphere of life."

The occasion had in attendance labour leaders, women leaders, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other stakeholders.