Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a powerful message to the youth of Nigeria, emphatically urging them to seize the opportunity to assume leadership roles in the country.
Speaking at the Bridge Foundation’s Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship programme in Abuja, Obasanjo cautioned that if the youth fail to act now, they may never have another chance to lead the nation.
“You are the leaders of today; if you don’t take it now, you will never get it. You have to be positively disruptive; don’t accept things the way they are. You need to make those who need to be made uncomfortable uncomfortable,” he asserted.
Highlighting the importance of knowledge, Obasanjo emphasized the need for accurate knowledge, coupled with a deep sense of the fear of God. He underscored that leaders who lack the fear of God can become dangerous.
“Wherever you may choose, leadership is very important, and the principles are basically the same. A good leader must have certain characteristics. Knowledge is good, but not enough. How diligent are you? What is your level of integrity? What are the values that you cherish?” Obasanjo queried, stressing the significance of diligence, integrity, and cherished values in leadership.
The former president’s call to action echoes a plea for a positive disruption in the current state of affairs, challenging the youth to be proactive in reshaping the destiny of the nation. The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship programme serves as a platform for nurturing and empowering young leaders to play pivotal roles in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Obasanjo’s words serve as a rallying cry for the youth to take charge of their destiny, with the understanding that the window of opportunity for assuming leadership positions may not remain open indefinitely.
