The former governorship candidate of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the last general elections, Otunba Rotimi Paseda has maintained that, Nigeria would be great again, only if the youths are sincere and imbibe good spirits of patriotism.
Otunba Paseda who spoke on Saturday at a public lecture organized by Youth in Good Governance Initiatives held at NUJ Press Centre, Iwe-Irohin House, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State on the topic; “Youth in Governance, panacea to Nigeria problems” emphasized that unity among Nigerian youths as the only way to confront the multi-faceted challenges facing the nation.
Represented by Engineer Babatunde Folarin, Paseda added that in this difficult period Nigeria is confronted with bad governance and corrupt leadership, the young generation has been initiated into the sinking polity by subjecting themselves to political violence, thuggery and other social vices which put the future of the nation at stake. Highlighting the nation’s problems to include, corruption, insecurity, economic downfall, power shortage, bad leadership, poor education system, lack of infrastructure among others, Paseda however enjoined the youth to always stand firm and upright in advocating for a collective goals. He further urged that, if the youths could channel their energy and intellectual resources towards positive objectives and mission, the country would be a better place for all and sundry. “Let me first commend the convener of this important discussion at this critical period Nigeria is suffering from bad leadership and poor governance. “This step has further proven that, Nigeria will be great again for channelling your intellect towards contributing your quota to the development of our dear nation. “this topic is imperative at this trying time Nigeria is suffering from lack of electricity, corruption, insecurity, economic downturn, lack of social amenities among other. But your mission can only be achieved if the youths can speak with one voice and uphold the patriotism of our dear nation as encapsulated in the National Anthem. “Nigeria shall be great again if your generation can channel your energy and intellectual property together to fight the corrupt leadership and bad governance without betrayal and selfish interest”.
Also speaking, the former Commissioner for finance in Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle implored government to provide enabling environment for the youth to further improve their entrepreneural skills, adding that if the government could absorb the energy capacity of the youth into it policies, Nigeria would have become a technology producing nation. Sogunle therefore, enjoined the youth to resist any inducement from politicians as a way of compromising their mission and direct their concerted effort towards reshaping the image of Nigeria.