Fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta has highlighted Africa’s youth as the continent’s most valuable resource, calling on them to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.

Speaking in Lagos, Nigeria, at the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) 2025 on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Kenyatta stressed that Africa’s transformation must be driven from within, rather than relying on external solutions.

“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised Africa’s youth as the continent’s greatest resource and urged them to lead with courage, integrity, and vision, asserting that Africa’s transformation will be driven by its own people rather than external solutions,” the former leader said.

Addressing the award recipients, he reminded the youth that their potential goes beyond titles or positions.

“We have been told of the great wealth beneath Africa’s soil, but our greatest resource is within the minds and hearts of our young people. You are not leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders of today who are shaping tomorrow,” he stated.

Kenyatta commended the awardees for their commitment to service and innovation, noting that their example demonstrates the continent’s growing leadership potential.

“Each of these young men and women chose service over self, community over comfort, and vision over fear. We honour not just what they have done, but who they have become,” he added.

He emphasised that effective leadership must focus on transformation and accountability. Africa has abundant ideas and energy, he said, but what is needed is leadership guided by values, vision, and responsibility to the people.

The former President also lauded Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of FALA, for nurturing Africa’s young leaders.

“The former Head of State commended Pastor Chris Oyakhilomefor his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nurturing young Africans through the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, describing it as a platform that not only celebrates success but also instils purpose. He praised the Foundation’s dedicationto investing in Africa’s most valuable resource: its people,” the statement reads

Kenyatta further expressed gratitude to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he referred to as “Baba,” for his continued mentorship of Africa’s future leaders.

In his New Year message, Kenyatta wished Africans and the world peace, wisdom, and prosperity.

“May Africa rise, built by Africans, strengthened by our unity, and guided by leaders committed to service,” he said.

The Future Africa Leaders Awards recognise young Africans who have shown outstanding leadership through education, mentorship, and community service, providing a platform to inspire a new generation of leaders.