Former Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and his former Kaduna state counterpart, Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, have emphasized the need for active youth participation in Nigeria's governance. They made this call at a one-day lecture organized to mark Lamido's 78th birthday anniversary in Dutse. The event, themed "Re-orienting the youths on politics of ideology towards rebuilding a New Nigeria," was attended by political associates and admirers.
The two former governors stressed that youths must imbibe the culture of tolerance, perseverance, and respect for the foundation laid by the country's founding fathers. Makarfi described the timing of the discussion as apt, considering the approach of the 2027 general elections. He expressed concern about the future of Nigerian youths, particularly those from the Northwest region.
Makarfi noted that youths from other parts of the country, such as the Southwest and South South, appear focused on their objectives, unlike their Northwest counterparts. He urged youths from the Northwest to learn from their peers in other regions and imbibe qualities of leadership. This, he believes, will enable them to translate these qualities into their immediate environment.
Lamido chose to mark his birthday with a reflection on the current state of youths, especially in the Northern part of the country. Instead of an elaborate celebration, he opted for a lecture to emphasize the importance of teaching younger leaders the qualities of leadership. He lamented that those who benefited from the leadership qualities of founding fathers have failed to pass these on to the younger generation.
Lamido expressed concern that youths are being turned into political thugs rather than being taught leadership qualities. He emphasized that whoever is 25 years old today will become a leader in the next 30-35 years and therefore needs to be taught leadership qualities. This, he believes, will enable them to provide the kind of leadership required for future generations.
Dr. Suleiman Abba, a former Inspector-General of Police and Senatorial candidate of the PDP for Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, commended Lamido's vision for organizing the lecture. He believes that this gesture will inspire some youths who aspire to leadership positions, especially during the forthcoming general elections.
The lecture, according to Abba, is a demonstration of Lamido's concern for the next generation of leaders in the country. The event provided a platform for discussion on the importance of youth participation in governance and the need for youths to be taught leadership qualities. The two former governors' call for active youth participation in governance is a timely reminder of the need for youths to be involved in the country's decision-making process.
Key points
- Former governors Alhaji Sule Lamido and Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi advocate for active youth participation in Nigeria's governance process.
- The two former governors stress the need for youths to imbibe the culture of tolerance, perseverance, and respect for the foundation laid by the country's founding fathers.
- The lecture was organized to mark Lamido's 78th birthday anniversary and to emphasize the importance of teaching younger leaders the qualities of leadership.
