Aviation minister says young minds are touch bearers for change
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, represented by Samuel Olufemi Bajamo said “youth are the touch bearers” of the present generation” to shape the future of Nigeria through the New Nigeria Campaign.
He also advocated that young innovative minds need to be provided with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the country.
He revealed this at the unveiling of the New Nigeria Campaign, hosted by the Madiba Foundation, in collaboration with Organising For A New Nigeria (ONN) and FIST Africa, on Thursday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
“Every Nigerian should be the change that we need to see. Let’s all dedicate ourselves to this lifetime journey to build a better and sustainable Nigeria”, he said.
Executive Director of the Foundation, Fred Adetiba said with collective efforts, a new Nigeria is possible. “We cannot have a new Nigeria without new Nigerians”, he stated.
He said that it is imperative for all, irrespective of backgrounds to uphold the highest standard of integrity, ethics and values. To achieve this, he said the following objectives must be met. They include; instilling of core values such as integrity, accountability and respect for diversity, critical but, are largely missing in the country’s governance system.
The others include behavioural change promoted among Nigerians by encouraging them to adopt responsible and patriotic attributes to move the country forward, increase in civic engagement to stimulate active participation of young Nigerians, especially in civic activities, including voting, community development, volunteering, as well as holding leaders accountable, and promote national pride to boost patriotism and fostering a strong point of identity and belonging to Nigeria.
Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, Kunle Shettima, represented by Hauwa Kazim said the foundation is out to support creative people committed to improving human lives and building a united world.
He also said the foundation in Nigeria is to strengthen youth movement that will harness energy and creative minds to aid development and growth in the country.
The Founder and Convener of Elevate Africa, Mrs. Olori Atuwashe III reveled in the essence and purpose of the campaign, stating that it is capable of birthing a new Nigeria. While making a point on the role of personal responsibility in building a better Nigeria and to a greater extent, Africa, she indicated that the power of changing the continent rests with the young minds.
“A new Nigeria is not an outward formation but, an inward generation, Mrs. Atuwashe, wife to His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri, Oghiame said.
“We must unlearn our past and reorientate the present. Leadership is something that we live out in the present. Unlearn the limitations that have long held you that you have no part to play in building a new Nigeria.
“Your role must go beyond waiting every four years to vote. Go beyond discussing and arguing political matters.
“Stop complaining about darkness and be the light. Your time is now and Nigeria needs you. We must cultivate personal values of being complete leaders. You have the ability to push for reforms to aid the growth of the country.
“A new Nigeria can be built by our cumulative daily activities. Learn to do the right thing so that Nigeria can be transformed beyond this generation. The new Nigeria needs people who will fight for her”, she concluded.