Obasanjo, who spoke at the Youth Governance Dialogue organised in Abeokuta to mark this year’s International Youth Day, charged the youth to stop complaining about domination of political space by the old hands.
The event, held on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), was attended by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN).
In his remarks, Obasanjo said many Nigerian youths believe erroneously that they may not be able to take charge of their political future until the current crop of leaders vacates the scene.
The ex-president asked the youth to fight their way to the top and take action rather than nagging.
He, however, admonished young people in the country to carve a niche for themselves.
He said: “I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for in Nigeria was the Presidency, but I had track record of achievements, which led to that. Nobody will choose you, you have to choose yourself. (Senate President Bukola) Saraki will not leave until you ask him to leave.
“When we talk about youth in leadership position, the point is: how are you prepared? Are you really prepared?
“People ask questions that what is the difference between Nigeria of 1960 and Nigeria of today? In 1950, 1960, there were values, but today, values have been eroded.
“As a youth, you have to carve a niche for yourself. Stop complaining. Don’t expect people to leave or shift. For instance, as I am standing, when you come to me and ask me to leave or shift, I may not respond.
“But when three or four of you come forward to me, two by my right hand side and two at my left and you press me together, you can actually force me out.
“So, if those you call old politicians refuse to move, suffocate them with your population, they will back out. If an 80, 90 years old man can be president, why not a 30-year-old man?”
Obasanjo, who noted that Nigeria needed leaders who are educationally and spiritually sound, enjoined youths to unite and contribute to the development of their fatherland.
The former president also spoke about the imperative of unity and integration of the country, urging the citizens to see themselves as one and desist from acts capable of dividing the nation.
While presenting his lead paper titled: “The role of our youth in contributing to the peace and stability of the nation,” Agabi harped on unity of Nigerians and Africans in general.
The former justice minister asked the youth to persevere, pursue unity and peace of their country and disallow artificial boundaries from splitting them.
Agabi described Obasanjo as an embodiment of perseverance and urged the youth to emulate him.
“If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He went to army and survived. He was sent to prison and he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is,” he added.
No comments: