The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigeria youths to take ownership of the nation’s democracy, arguing that their numerical strength is an asset to turn things to their favour.
At one-day leadership conference in Abuja on Wednesday, ADC regretted that few people have taken power as their personal property, and in turn unleash harsh policies, poverty and hunger on majority of others.
The National Youth Leader Chukwuka Odimbu, in an address at the occasion, reminded the youths that power “is not given, it is taken,” adding that it is time to change the narratives.
The party noted that 25 years of an uninterrupted civil rule is so far the longest democracy in Nigeria, even though, it been characterised by mixed experiences, “progression and retrogression, economic boom, upheavals, successes and challenges.”
It urged government at all levels to learn from the obstacles and strive to put Nigeria back on the path of progress and prosperity.
ADC told the youths that they “cannot continue to do the same thing, think the same way, and expect a different results.
“We need to come out with ingenuity and innovations; we need to take back our country from those spineless entities and build the future we envisaged for ourselves and our children’s children.
“We can’t continue to complain. I challenge you all to take a bold step today to liberate yourself from the current abyss of poverty, hunger and poor leadership.
“Time to look is over; time to act is now. Our development as a nation is a collective responsibility; together in unison we can make a meaningful impact.”
Guest lecturer, Princess Winifred Ikeogu, advised the youths to always challenge policies that are not favourable to their constituencies.
“Contribute in decision making process,” she further advised, and urged them to engage in constructive conversations on national issues.
“Don’t allow yourself to be a political thug to politicians. Follow current events, understand polices; be a leader with integrity. Have empathy and emotional intelligence, have a vision, be accountable, people are looking up to you,” Ikeogu added.
