By Amechi Onwubuemeli
Uche Akym Onyekwere, a United States based Nigeria economist and philanthropist has described youths of Nigeria as innovative, sophisticated, courageous, independent-minded, informed and above all, the hope of the country.
Onyekwere who made this declaration in a letter of appreciation to young people who honoured him recently with award for Excellent Management of Men and Resources also called on them to shun anti-social behavior. He reminded the youth of the need to be vigilant, serious and to prepare for leadership as the future depends on them.
“I want to be taken seriously anytime I say that the future belongs to the youth. This is an incontrovertible fact. Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence as a youth in 1953. Our founding fathers like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Ernest Ikoli, Ahmadu Bello, Michael Opara and most First and Second Republic Ministers and Special Advisers became leaders in their youth.
“This also goes for our past military heads of state, administrators, commanders and other categories of military officers and the police who ran our countries for many decades. General Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s youngest military head of state at 31.
“Nigeria basically is a youthful country because over 60 per cent of the population is made up of young people. Therefore, is on unfair to deny them leadership opportunities especially in this information age where they have shown skills and abilities in different fields of life.
“Consequently, I must commend Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president for signing the Not Too Young To Run Bill into law on May 31, 2018. This is admirable but we must take a step further to engender inclusion and participation irrespective of gender, creed or geography. Nigeria’s leaders must not play politics with this because it will be counterproductive.
“I understand the financial difficulties that face young people wishing to buy forms to stand for elections in the dominant parties. This is unacceptable and an affront on the Not Too Young To Run Bill. I call on the government to quickly look into all the genuine grievances and challenges facing the youth to avoid making a mess of this law.
“Therefore, I urge the youth to get ready for serious work and responsibilities. For me, getting ready means also having the right education, a positive mental attitude, the right friends and connections, a broad understanding of what service means, a solid manifesto and a vision, among other things.
“It is most unfair to hand over the destiny of a youthful country to old men and women who have little or nothing at stake. The starting point is awareness and participation. Young people must get involved and this is the time. But as they mobilize and prepare for leadership, they must also appreciate the enormity of the challenges facing Nigeria from all angles.
“Nigeria urgently needs a new way of thinking and solving problems. From the look of things, the solution to the myriad of challenges facing this country does not lie in this generation of old leaders who have tried their best. It is obvious that their best is not good enough for our progress, development and corporate survival. This is the time for our youths and they must cease the moment. I wish Nigerian youths the very best as I look forward to seeing them at the top”, he said.
