The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on youths across the country to make use of their numerical strength and take ownership of the country’s democracy.
Speaking at a one-day Democracy Leadership conference organised by the National Working Committee of the party, Wednesday in Abuja, ADC National Youth Leader, Chukwuka Odimbu, reminded youths that power “is not given, it is taken”.
He said it is time to change the narratives and use the number of youths in the country to make a difference.
He lamented that few individuals have cornered power in the country and made it their personal property, adding that is what is responsible for unfavorable policies, poverty and hunger in the country.
Odimbu noted that even though Nigerians have enjoyed 25 years of uninterrupted Democracy, it has been characterised by mixed experiences, “progression and retrogression, economic boom, upheavals, successes and challenges.”
He therefore tasked government at all levels to learn from the obstacles and strive to put Nigeria back on the path of progress and prosperity.
“We need to come out with ingenuity and innovations; we need to take back our country from those entities and build the future we envisaged for ourselves and our children’s children.
“We can’t continue to complain. I challenge you all to take a bold step today to liberate yourself from the current abyss of poverty, hunger and poor leadership.
“Time to look is over; time to act is now. Our development as a nation is a collective responsibility; together in unison we can make a meaningful impact.”
On her part, the Guest lecturer, Princess Winifred Ikeogu, advised the youths to always challenge policies that are not favourable to their constituencies and should make effort to contribute in decision making process.
She urged them to engage in constructive conversations on national issues.
“Don’t allow yourself to be a political thug to politicians. Follow current events, understand polices; be a leader with integrity. Have empathy and emotional intelligence, have a vision, be accountable,” she said.
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