By Amos Tauna
National Youth Council of Nigeria, has observed that until the youths in the country begin to see themselves as future leaders of the country, they will continue to be used as agents of destruction.
Speaking in Kaduna to mark the Internationa Youth Day, Abel Abaji, the representative of Northwest, enjoined the youths to brace up and face challenges of the country, stressing, “As future leaders of the country, you must see yourselves as partners that must share ideas on the best way Nigeria will be in the future.
“You must not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction by greedy politicians who are working for their selfish interest by using religion, tribal differences and other weapons to ensure we continue to be at loggerheads with each others.”
On theme of the International Youth Day, ‘Youth building peace’ he enjoined the youth to borrow a leaf from the likes of Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Nnamdi Akiziwe, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo and others, who in their late and early 20s and 30s fought for the independence of Nigeria.
“We should be creative and think of what to do for the future rather than living idle lives only to be used to kill and destroy lives and property. We should begin to think positively what we can do to be remembered for in years to come.
“Prosperity will never forgive us if we do not change this mentality and start rejecting evildoers who use all such of methods to get us do their dirty deals while trying to make us believe they are fighting for our interests.
“We should see ourselves as brothers and sisters irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliations so that together we can build our society devoid of any problem.”
Earlier, the chairman, Youth Council of Nigeria, Kaduna South local government area, Mr Bernard Musa Ghat, said the essence of gathering the youths of the local government was to unite themselves and tell each others the truth of the need of living in peace with one another and never to be used by anybody for any evil that would be detrimental to the peace, unity and development of the local government, Kaduna State and the country as a whole.
He expressed gratitude to the youths for coming out in large number to celebrate the International Youth Day that is a week long celebration, adding, “We see ourselves, appreciate ourselves and see the need for us to work together as a formidable unit irrespective of our differences of tribe and religion. We should embrace the slogan that says united we stand, divided we fall.”
Community leaders present at the meeting enjoined the youths to always work together, discuss issues that border them together and share ideas for the overall peace and unity of the country.
They noted that it was only when the youths start working together that they would appreciate themselves and have better understanding of themselves.
Malam Mohammed Adamu, a youth from Tudun Wada, Kaduna, expressed gratitude with the coming together of the youths to observe this year’s International Youth Day, pointing out that it would go a long way to disabuse the wrong impression the youths have against one another.
The meeting had in attendance youths from most of the various ethnic groups residing in Kaduna South local government area of Kaduna State
