I Remain Committed to a New, Better Nigeria Anchored on Youths Development – Obi
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has restated his commitment towards building a productive nation anchored on youths development.
Obi noted that their youthful energy, skills and potential were critical ingredients needed to move the nation from consumption to production.
Obi stated this in his message to mark this year’s International Youth Day.
The former Governor, however, made it clear that his dream of rescuing the country from leadership failure will not come to fruition without the help of the youths whose future was being damaged by bad governance.
“Everywhere you go in the world, the youths have always championed paradigm shifts in society. The political awakening you notice among Nigerian youths today signifies the hunger and desire in them for a better nation that represents their interests,” Obi said.
He lamented the myriad challenges facing Nigerian youths, and listed high rate of youth unemployment; little or no access to funding for small businesses, lack of quality education occasioned by incessant industrial actions by public universities, among others, as factors militating against the success of youths.
Obi argued that such neglect of youth development is currently contributing to the nation’s woes by way of rising insecurity and violence, very unproductive workforce and unmatched level of drug abuse currently prevalent in the country.
The Presidential hopeful expressed hope in the new Nigeria where people’s talents and skills will match their opportunities in life.
“I have always maintained that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on us tomorrow. One cannot expect peace and progress in a nation where more than half of the large youth population do not know where their next meal will come from. Our students have been at home for over 5 months due to ASUU Strike. That is not the kind of future we want to build for our young people,” Obi submitted.
He urged the government to build a nation that inspires hope in its citizens, especially the youths, and cautioned that if the government continues to pay deaf ear to the yearnings of its youthful population, Nigeria will continue to foot-drag its way to growth and development.
Obi wished Nigerian youths well on the occasion of the International Youth Day Celebration, and encouraged them to remain of good character and conduct, while contributing their quota to the growth of the country.
The International Youth Day is celebrated globally on August 12, every year.
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