ADC Wants Youths To Take Ownership Of Nig

Nigerian youths have been urged to take ownership of the country as it belongs to them.

National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Chukwuka Odimbu, made the call at the party’s one-day National Leadership Conference in Abuja.

Odimbu, who explained that youths make up a larger part of the country’s population, stressed that their numerical strength is unmatchable as they have a vital role to play towards sensitizing the entire populace.

“After over two decades of uninterrupted democracy and 25 years after the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, it was time the Nigerian youths take ownership of our democracy, ADC hereby implores our youths to take ownership of our dear country as it belongs to all of us” he added.

“As Nigerians commemorate this 12th day of June as Democracy Day; it is indeed a memorable and eventful period. It is in the history of our existence as people of common pain, nation of consanguinity, and a democratic independent entity. ”

“Our role is simple; preach peace in action and speech, then participate in governance towards purposeful engagement and sustainable development.”

“Undoubtedly, 25 years of uninterrupted civil rule and most lengthy democracy to Nigerians is a long way to call. This, indeed, calls for celebration that we could still stand as a people, a nation despite all odds and challenges over the past two (2) decades” the youth leader added.

“Notably, Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic sojourn of over two (2) decades (1999-2024) had been characterized at a stretch with mixed experience, the good and the bad, progress and retrogression, economic boom and upturn, upheavals and giant strides successes and challenges, hopes and successive fulfillments.”

Odimbu added that June 12th is significant to the political history of Nigeria, because it holds a special place in the hearts of Nigerians as it marks a historic turning point in the country.

“It is a day that symbolizes the resilience of our democratic spirit, a spirit that was unmistakably evident during the 1993 elections. These elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history, were unfortunately” he noted.

Today, as we celebrate Democracy day, we must acknowledge the progress we have made while recognizing that democracy is an ongoing process not a destination. It requires constant vigilance, active participation and commitment to the common good. This is where you, the youths come in.”

Odimbu equally said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu owes the country a civic responsibility to protect the young democracy, in words and in deed.

In her remarks, the
Guest Lecturer at the event, Princess Winifred Ikeogu, stressed the need for youths to submit themselves for mentorship by credible leaders.

“Mentorship helps you not to make a mistake because they are following the footprints of their mentors” Ikeogu stated.

The event was organised as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji