Deputy Governor Of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has lamented the absence of youths in key positions in the Nigeria leadership circule..
He therefore advocated the need for the Nigeria Youths to wake up to political consciousness and dominate the political space with their youthful energy and skills. He went further to say that “as you all know I started my activism here in Jos, with self discipline and hardwork, I was able to overcome a lot of money-induced temptations and I built on it, that’s what is going for me today. You can better my achievements, it’s very possible.”
Shaibu made these observations, weekend at a lecture delivered at the Jos Business School.
According to him, “there is need for a rebirth in our political process with series of fundamental, structural, attitudinal and behavioural changes in our style of selecting leadership. The Nigerian youths must however display the needed political qualities, maturity and adequate discipline in their individual and collective orientations in order for them to have their pride of place in the political system.”
The Edo Deputy Governor who was delivering a lecture at the TEDX annual lecture series on developing the future leaders called for a paradigm shift from the current political system where youths are not involved in the decision making process.
Comrade Shaibu said that , being a youth is not a defect that politicians should avoid but an advantage that must be explored. Violence and social unrest in various part of the country can better be resolved and overcome when the youths are part of the decision process.
He however expressed disappointment over the lack of interest of the Nigerian youths in participating in politics, adding that they must, “as nobody will call you to a position you are not prepared for.” He maintained that politics should not be viewed as a business venture but a service organ and an opportunity to improve on the life of the common man. He cautioned Nigerian youths against joining politics with the wrong notion of making quick money rather, it shoild be with the fear of God and respect for humanity.
The Deputy Governor who was a former NANS President (Students Union Leader ) in Nigeria, two term member, Edo State House of Assembly also moved from Minority Leader to that of Majority Leader in the House, Member, House of Representatives and now Deputy Governor of Edo State. He frowned at the poor level of self-development among the Nigerian Youths. ” You must have what it takes to serve before you can be invited to serve. The youths must developed themselves to constitute a paradigm shift in leadership but self discipline is very key.
Speaking on the Obaseki administration in Edo State, Comrade Shaibu said, the administration is committed to the pursuit of policies and programs designed to reverse the disturbing trend of hardship and poverty. He described the administration’s economic policies as youth-center with efforts geared towards ensuring that all Edo Youths wasting their time in foreign lands, especially Libya are welcome back home and properly engaged in the Agro entrepreneur program of government.
