Former Jigawa State Governor, Dr. Sule Lamido, has expressed concerns over Nigeria's political future, warning that the country's youths are being mobilized to defend politicians without the character, values, and preparation needed to govern. Speaking in Dutse during his 78th birthday celebration, Lamido criticized the political class for abandoning the younger generation. He noted that youths are being used as instruments for political battles, rather than being mentored and prepared for leadership.
Lamido argued that the current political environment prioritizes loyalty to individual politicians over mentorship, national consciousness, and leadership preparation. He stated that many Nigerians in their 20s and early 30s are growing up in a political environment where loyalty to politicians has replaced essential values. The former governor warned that the real danger lies not in the current political battles, but in the future when these politicians will no longer be in power, and the youths will become the leaders.
The former governor emphasized that today's political leaders are temporary occupants of power, while the neglected youths will inherit the consequences of their decisions. Lamido noted that the focus should shift from who controls political offices today to the kind of leaders being produced for tomorrow. He accused the political class of using youths as instruments of political warfare instead of investing in their development.
Lamido stressed the need for deliberate mentoring of young Nigerians in integrity, empathy, character, and national unity. He urged that youths should be restored to the path of character formation, integrity, human love, and friendship. According to him, political differences should not destroy relationships among young Nigerians, as party structures change while the youths remain part of the same national community.
The former governor compared the current political environment to his generation's experience, where young Nigerians were exposed to political mentorship across regional and party lines. Lamido recalled that leaders like Sardauna, Awolowo, Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa mentored and groomed youths without using them for political enmity. He posed a challenge to the present generation of leaders, asking if they are giving youths the same mentorship and character formation they received.
Lamido warned that if the pattern continues, Nigeria risks producing young people who learn political opportunism instead of public service. He urged young Nigerians to look beyond individual politicians and recognize their shared future. The birthday event, themed "Nurturing Youths in Purpose-Driven Politics for the Building of a New Nigeria," featured paper presentations and panel discussions on youth development, political values, and nation-building.
The event highlights the need for a shift in the way Nigeria's youths are being prepared for leadership. Lamido's concerns and suggestions have sparked a conversation about the country's leadership future and the role of the political class in shaping it. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the issue of youth development and mentorship remains a pressing concern.
Key points
- Dr. Sule Lamido warns that Nigeria's youths are being abandoned by the political class without proper mentorship and preparation for leadership.
- Lamido criticizes the use of youths as instruments for political battles, rather than investing in their development.
- The former governor emphasizes the need for deliberate mentoring of young Nigerians in integrity, empathy, character, and national unity.
