President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged youths in the South East region to prepare themselves for political leadership.
He said the urgency in taking up such challenge has become imperative because his generation is set to quit the scene for the younger ones to take-over as major actors.
Speaking when Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing worldwide visited him on Friday, President Buhari described Nigerian youths as very active and critically important in growing the Nigerian project.
“Youths are very virile and active. A greater part of the Nigerian population is made up of youths. They must always be a factor at all times.
“Youths must begin to groom themselves for the leadership of Nigeria. I said this to the leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students yesterday (Thursday) – sooner than later, we will leave the stage and you will takeover. You have to equip yourselves properly.”
The President lauded the group for appreciating his administration’s effort in providing the much-needed infrastructure across the country and for ensuring that Nigerians celebrated the Yuletide with the availability and price stability of petroleum products.
“I am glad you appreciate government’s efforts. That is why we are here to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians and on infrastructure. We will ensure that the resources of Nigeria work for Nigerians,’’ he said.
On the current strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), President Buhari said government is hoping that ‘good reason will prevail’ in the on-going talks with representatives of the Union.
In his remarks, Acting National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Dr Kingsley Dozie, commended the Buhari administration for stabilising the economy, improved security during the Christmas season and sustaining the development of infrastructure, particularly the Second Niger Bridge.
“We, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, are partners-in-progress in the Nigerian Project and will extend hands of partnership to any administration that guarantees the interest and welfare of Ndigbo.
“There’s no gainsaying the fact that President Buhari’s administration has impacted on the Igbos in some positive ways, but there are still areas the Igbos need more impact”, he said.
Dozie however appealed to the President to make a categorical statement on the issue of Igbo presidency in 2023, in addition to initiating a process for the creation of an additional state in the South East, among others.
The delegation, led by Acting National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing worldwide, Dr Dozie, had the National Secretary, Mazi Madukaibe Uchenna; National Publicity Secretary, Chief Osmond Nkeoma; Chief Chinedu Nwachukwu and Mazi Okechukwu Nwachukwu.
Also on the team were Dr Onyedika Omeka, Mazi James Alaka, Mazi Umenyi John-Paul, Mazi Nnennaya Hillary, and Barrister Stanley Ibeagbulem among others.
