Obasanjo Advocates Positive Disruption for Nigeria's Youth Empowerment
- Katsina City News
- 01 Dec, 2023
- 554
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the need for Nigeria's younger generation to embrace positive disruption as a strategy to attain power, discouraging violence in the process. Speaking during an inter-generational dialogue and emerging political leaders fellowship organized by The Bridge Leadership Foundation, Obasanjo urged the youth to actively participate in elections, rejecting the notion of being too young to run.
Highlighting the significance of leadership in both the military and private sectors, Obasanjo asserted that without proactive measures, the younger generation may never ascend to power. He encouraged them to challenge the status quo and make the uncomfortable uncomfortable through non-violent means.
While acknowledging imperfections in his generation, Obasanjo credited them with fighting for the unity, independence, and democracy of Nigeria. He criticized those dismissing Nigeria as a mere geographical expression, emphasizing the importance of shared values and commonality of life irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
Obasanjo stressed the necessity for leaders to possess knowledge, fear of God, honesty, integrity, and values. During the discourse, he reminisced about his upbringing, highlighting personal experiences such as not encountering a telephone until secondary school.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, commended Obasanjo's government as the best in Nigeria's history, lauding his commitment to democracy. Imoke emphasized the importance of intergenerational representation, citing Obasanjo as an exemplary leader for the nation. The event was attended by dignitaries including former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Dr. Osita Chidoka.