The nationwide protest that lasted for 10 days calls for a sober reflection as we commemorate the 2024 World Youth Day. As the youths of the world converged this year with the theme: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” our young men and women are distraught. With hunger, unemployment and poverty ravaging over 60% of the populace while their political leaders lavish in opulence, they had to resort to #EndBadGovernance protest. Yes, frustrated by the attitude of people in authority and the All Progressives Congress (APC) establishment, the youths who are not ordinarily prone to protests have to vent their anger. I use this opportunity to commensurate with the immediate families of those who lost their lives during the protest, and condole the entire Nigerian youths. These ‘citizen patriotic’ will certainly not die in vain.
Coincidentally, the tenth day protest steeps into the eve of the 2024 world’s youth day. This calls for a more conscientious reflection to make sure that this commemoration heralds the end to our lamentations and years of gloom. How did we get here? 25 years into our democracy with APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the driver’s seat tells the story. However, agonising over these two and other institutions that brought us this low, does not provide the solution. But we must be aware of them and their decadent values in order to make progress. The time coincidence signals a clarion call to all patriots, young and old that it is time to ditch the inglorious years, and chart a new trajectory to the nation of our dream. I hope you agree with me, that the 10-day protest coupled with the 2024 International Youth Day and its theme, sound loud enough warning and gives the redemption leeway for Nigeria to arise and shine.
For almost 20 years, we have prepared for the day. Commemorating the world’s Youth Day, I am pleased to unveil aspects of ADC strategic compass to assure the youths and indeed all stakeholders that our party ADC is ready to lead with integrity from the front. The following have been lined up till the end of 2024;a reflective essay competition for young persons of ages 16 to 25, on the theme “Co-creating The Nigeria of our dream;”; hosting of the ‘You Spoke; We Listened Town hall Reflection Series; inauguration of the ADC Continental Youth Council on August 22;handshake and thumb revolution campaign; mea culpa & contract with Nigerians to lead with integrity and high ethical standards; and consolidation of all coalition arrangements.
The ADC has always stood in solidarity with the youth. INEC records for two consecutive elections showed that ADC fielded the greatest numbers of Youth and women during the 2019 and 2023 general elections. In 2023, 75% of ADC candidates are between the ages of 25 and 35 years. Comrade Nixon Odimbu the National Youth Leader and Hauwa Yussuf, She-National Youth Leader are already on overdrive for youth mobilisation. We use this opportunity to invite the youths of Nigeria to take ownership of ADC.
Our youth strategy is meant to leave no one in doubt that ADC recognizes their power as change catalysts and true owners and vanguards of today and the future of Nigeria. Our transformational leadership and handshake philosophy align with not just the dreams and desires of all youths and patriots, they are in sync with the yearning of the youths and in harmony with 2024 World Youth Fay strategic goal. ADC is building structures nationwide to be the credible and audacious party that will deliver for all and dare the agents of impunity, political corruption and disingenuous democracy gate crashers. We are structured to defend your victories which come assured with your over 75% of the voting population. You have spoken, I am sure you are not in doubt that ADC has heard. Working together let’s resolve to build a model country. Rather than moan and/or mourn in despair, I encourage all Nigeria youths to challenge themselves to become the catalyst for Nigeria and Africa’s renaissance. Yes, you can.
- Okey Nwosu is the national chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC)
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