Stakeholders have tasked Nigerian youths to resist attempts by unpatriotic elements to recruit them into illegal and criminal groups that would use them to destabilise and undermine the peace of the country.
The stakeholders including government, traditional rulers and academia gave the charge during a youth leadership clinic organised by the University of Abuja, Leadership Centre on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, Justice Sidi Bage Retired, Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, said youths remain the greatest asset of the nation but are often vulnerable to manipulation by unpatriotic elements for selfish interests.
The Emir represented by Ishaka Dauda, Madaki Lafia, warned that youths must not allow themselves to be used as political thugs, agents of hate speech or tools for violence, especially as the country continues to grapple with security challenges.
“Your energy is needed to build this country, not to destroy it. Do not allow anyone to use you to undermine the peace we are enjoying in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large,” the Emir said.
Bage further advised the youths to pursue their future careers with the desired commitment and remain focused thereby resisting being in a hurry to succeed using whatever means.
Also, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State represented by Abigail Waya, Head of Civil Service, appreciated the centre for choosing Nasarawa State for the exercise aimed at catching the youths young and teaching them the basics to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
Sule noted that Nigeria’s future depends on how well the youth are prepared today, stressing that leadership must be taught deliberately and not left to chance.
“Young people constitute the largest per cent of Nigeria’s population, yet many lack access to mentorship and leadership grooming. This clinic is aimed at bridging that gap and empowering them to become responsible leaders in their communities,” he said.
He urged participants to be agents of positive change and to shun social vices, drug abuse and political thuggery, adding that true leadership starts with self-discipline and service.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Prof. Abdulhamid Ozoho-Suleiman, Director of the centre said that the participants were secondary school prefects drawn from secondary schools in Lafia and environs.
Ozoho-Suleiman explained that the training marks another important milestone in the commitment of the university through the centre to develop leaders who possess character, competence, courage and a clear vision for positive change.
He noted that leadership must not be left to chance; hence the deliberate efforts by the centre to develop, shape, direct, and redefine.
“This clinic was designed to equip our upcoming leaders, particularly secondary school prefects, with the knowledge, mindset, and skills they need to lead effectively in their schools, communities and beyond.
“If young people understand self-discipline, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, responsibility, teamwork and national values at this stage, they will grow into leaders who will resist corruption, avoid negative influence and embrace service to humanity,” he added.
Also speaking, Dr Rachael Angbazo, North-Central Zonal Project Coordinator of the centre appreciated the state government for the support and the management of the participating schools for leading their students and their active participation towards the success of the event.
Sadatu Aliyu of You Nik Academic Lafia and Ibrahim Ashiko of Government Science School Lafia who spoke to journalists appreciated the organisers for the opportunity to learn more about citizenship as well as their responsibilities and obligations as citizens of Nigeria.
The duo also expressed optimism that the lessons learned would go a long way in shaping how they carried out their responsibilities as prefects of their respective schools and promised to pass the lessons down to others who were not able to attend the training. (NAN).
