National Youth Leadership Summit: Agbor Balla Urges Youths to Engage in Leadership Role

Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, CHRDA President.

The President and CEO of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor, also known as Agbor Balla, has emphasized the importance of youth engagement in leadership. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership Summit, Barrister Agbor Balla urged young leaders to take charge and shape their own future.

According to Agbor Balla, leadership is not just about title or power, but about service, vision, integrity, and courage. He encouraged young leaders to lead from wherever they are, whether in school, community, church, startup, or social media platforms. "Cameroon needs bold and ethical youth leadership - in politics, business, technology, agriculture, arts, and activism," he said.

Barrister Agbor Balla Exchanging Pleasantries with Some of the Organizers.

With over 60% of Cameroon's population under 30, Barrister Agbor Balla stressed the need for youth representation in decision-making spaces. He warned that if young people don't engage, others will decide for them, determining the quality of their education, job opportunities, freedom, and future. Agbor Balla encouraged young leaders to participate in voting, join student government, start movements, or even run for local office.

Acknowledging the challenges young leaders face, the civic advocate urged them not to wait for permission to lead. "Don't wait to be invited - create your space," he said. "Don't be discouraged by corruption - be the honest leader you wish you had." Instead, he emphasized the importance of vision, courage, discipline, integrity, and empathy in youth leadership.

Agbor Balla outlined the essential qualities of youth leaders, emphasizing that they should know where they're going and why it matters, speak the truth even when it's unpopular, lead with discipline and integrity, and lead with heart and understanding.

Barrister Agbor Balla, and Participants Immortalizes Event.

In conclusion, the civil society leader urged young leaders to rise up, speak up, and step up. "The future is not something you wait for - it's something you shape," he said. "Our country needs you. Your community needs you. The world needs you." With these words, Agbor Balla left a lasting impression on the young leaders in attendance, inspiring them to take charge of their future and shape the destiny of Cameroon.