I’ve seen a lot of social media outrage directed at former Youth Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura following his removal. Like every Youth Minister we’ve had since post-colonial governments, none has been free from blame-especially from the many young people who look to their leadership with high aspirations and hope. Yet, no youth minister can ever fully satisfy the expectations of an entire demographic unless one possesses the rare ability to balance leadership with the ever-growing demands of young people. The Youth Ministry Is one of great expectations among all other ministries simply because of the population it serves. Imagine a country where 80% of the population is below the age of 35. You need the wisdom of King Solomon to navigate through your leadership.
Orman Bangura, like any other leader, may have disappointed some, denied access to others, and helped a few along the way. I have never had the opportunity to cross paths with him, but even if I had, it wouldn’t change my position because I have been engaged in the youth space for long enough to understand the dynamics of youth governance. His tenure, like those before him, may not have met all expectations, but in the years he was given, he played his part. Let posterity judge him for that.
The uproar surrounding his removal is, in itself, a testament to his stewardship. It’s a reflection of the expectations young people have. It sends a clear message to him and a warning for those who will come after him-that young people are no longer willing to accept anything less than competent and impactful leadership. However , we must be honest with ourselves; Some of the loudest voices criticizing him today were, at one point, direct beneficiaries of his leadership or the Ministry of Youth. Using his dismissal as an opportunity to claim you’re speaking for the majority of young people is misleading. If there is a personal grievance with the former minister, let it remain personal. There is no honor in celebrating the downfall of someone simply because they are no longer in power. You cannot knock a man when he is already down.
Beyond the outrage, what happens next? As the cycle of appointments continues, we see the same patterns: names being thrown around, endorsements based on sentiment, personal affiliations (me padi; da orda wan e padi), or political alignment rather than a real assessment of who can serve with vision and integrity. We must break this cycle as young people if we seek our progress.
For those of us who aspire to lead, the lesson is clear. Leadership is not just about holding office; it is about service. When young people fought for representation in governance, it was never just about getting young faces in high places. It was about meaningful change. But today, here we are in 2025, still asking the same questions: What has changed? What real progress have we seen? It is not enough to be young in office; what matters is what you do with the opportunity.
If we, the next generation, find ourselves in positions of power tomorrow, we must serve with honor, with a genuine commitment to the people, and with the understanding that leadership is not a privilege-it is a responsibility. The expectations that we place on others today will one day be placed on us. If we demand better, we must also be prepared to lead better.
Abubakarr Benson
Executive Director, Centre for Youth Participation in Democracy (CYPaD)
