Leadership experts, government officials and development professionals have urged young Nigerians to embrace purpose-driven leadership, strategic career planning and active civic engagement as pathways to personal growth and national development.

The call was made at the 2026 edition of The Clarity Experience, an annual leadership and purpose conference organised by leadership and management consultant, Shalom Ernest, through The Clarity Conclave in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together participants from different sectors to discuss practical approaches to leadership, career development, self-discovery and sustainable social impact amid Nigeria’s changing economic landscape.

Speaking at the conference, the convener, Shalom Ernest, said personal identity and natural abilities are fundamental to creating meaningful change in society.

He encouraged participants to identify their strengths, learn from their experiences and focus on addressing challenges within their communities rather than waiting for broader systemic reforms.

Leadership coach Joshua Adeloye urged young professionals to balance long-term aspirations with present economic realities through continuous learning, service and deliberate career development.

He recommended the Ikigai framework, which aligns passion, skills, market demand and income opportunities, as a practical approach to building sustainable careers while creating social value.

Adeloye also advised participants to develop clear five-year career plans and succession strategies to promote long-term growth and leadership continuity.

Legal practitioner and energy advocate Chinenye Ajayi encouraged participants to build strong personal convictions before making major career decisions.

She advised young professionals to refine their vision before seeking external validation in order to remain focused on long-term goals.

Technical Adviser to the Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Orifunke Lawal, described people with diverse talents and interests as valuable assets when guided by self-awareness and discipline.

She urged participants to seek opportunities that challenge them and foster personal and professional growth.

Culture strategist Bayode Oke Thomas said career advancement is driven by service, value creation and the ability to solve institutional challenges rather than merely following conventional career paths.

Delivering the keynote address, leadership scholar Dr. Akin Akinpelu said lasting leadership is built on integrity, strong relationships and a clear sense of purpose.

Drawing from his personal experiences, he noted that ethical conduct and strategic relationships remain essential for long-term leadership success.

During a fireside chat with the convener, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Sam Egube, encouraged young Nigerians to pursue their aspirations with determination and resilience.

He emphasised the importance of investing in human capital, maintaining clarity of purpose and believing in one’s potential despite prevailing challenges.

The conference also featured the announcement of the expansion of the Youth Making Impact (YMI) Initiative to Lagos.

According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to bridge leadership, skills and talent development gaps among young people by providing mentorship, enterprise development opportunities and a platform for learning, collaboration and growth.