It’s yet another year when youths globally come together in celebration of the youth day. The place of the youth in the global economy cannot be over emphasized, considering their inputs in different sector of the economy.
It is needed for the leaders of different nations to pay special attention in providing enabling platform for these youths, and the Nigerian youth are known globally to be hard working and full of creativity, all that is needed is for the leaders to provide the needed enabling environment through which they can showcase their God given potential.
In this regard the former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential aspirant in the last presidential election in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri of Adamawa, gave his goodwill message to the Nigeria youth as they celebrate with other young people across the globe on the 21st Anniversary of International Youth Day,
In his message, he saluted the Nigerian youth in particular for their commitment and perseverance towards the attainment of a greater Nigeria, and noted that the theme for this year’s event “Youth Engagement for Global Action” gives a clear picture of what the world perceives about young people globally, stressing that this global perception about the youth, has been a focus in his mind.
He took a decision to include 40% of the youth in his 2019 presidential campaign, noting that this was a promise he was determined to keep, bearing in mind the futuristic benefits of our great nation Nigeria.
The former vice president further noted that this era of Covid19, which the whole world faces, the youth have a responsibility of guarding against being infected, as well as helping to stem the rate of infection by total observation of the set out guidelines by the NCDC; protocols of washing and sanitizing of hands, wearing of face masks, observing social distancing and avoiding crowded areas.
In addition he noted that human survival rests largely on the shoulders of the youth, noting that this pandemic requires vigour to wear out the plague, stating that the vigour and spirit the youth embody will play a crucial role in the social-economic survival of the world, and its rejuvenation, post-Covid19.
He further admonished the youth stating that as leaders of today and tomorrow, Nigerian youth need to be preaching and practicing peace, demonstrate patriotism at all levels; rid themselves of nepotism, and endeavor to promote competence above all forms of sentiments at all times, which is the only way we can truly have the Nigeria of our dreams.
In his closing note he assured the Nigerian youth of his continued support, ‘‘I shall stay the course and continue to offer my shoulder for you all to climb because as youth, you are leaders of today’’ he said.
By: Emeka Alex Akwaeze