One of the Aspirants for Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the just concluded PDP Primary elections, Honourable Oloye Surajudeen Abiodun Tiamy has on Sunday, June 12th congratulated Nigerians for the 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country.
Honourable Tiamy in a powerful message targeted at the youths, released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, urging the Nigerians especially the youths like himself to understand and accept that nobody’s political, economic, religious or social ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian and ensure they always pray stable peace to reign as 2023 general elections approach.
The statement reads: "On this recognized Democracy Day, I want to urge all Nigerians to pray for peace in Nigeria. We need stable peace in Nigeria. And it is up to you and I to ensure that our National Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, is a reality and not just mere rhetoric
"I want to urge Nigerians especially my fellow youths to understand and accept that as 2023 general elections draw nearer, nobody’s political, economic, religious or social ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
"There are many opportunities and crises on the horizon, but we must have the mentality of seeing the opportunity in crisis rather than the crisis in opportunity.
"Nigeria has one of the fastest growing youth population in the world and we must see this as an opportunity, not a crisis. We, Nigerian youths are not lazy, all we need are opportunities to showcase our positive talents. We need leaders who believe in us and show affirmation for us through their words and actions.
"Democracy is a game of numbers and the youths have the numbers. More than 50% of our population are youths. If Nigeria develops policies, programs and projects to empower the youth of Nigeria, the Nigerian youth, who single handedly created Nollywood, now the third largest movie industry in the world, can be expected to return the favour and make Nigeria proud.
"And Nigerian youths are already making us proud both locally and internationally. Nigerian youths are showcasing their brilliance around the world and I want to make special reference to Master Ukoma Michael, who at thirteen years of age invented a battery operated fan that lasts for 19 hours on a full charge. This ingenuity domiciled in Michael should be encouraged by our leadership.
"Internationally, Princess Elizabeth Bright and Ramota Tele Lawal, two 22 year old Nigerian youths who in last four years (2018 to be precise) became the youngest elected councillors in the United Kingdom, have made us proud. Very proud indeed.
"These youths are the epitome of the hardworking, talented, innovative and ambitious Nigerian youth who make our nation respected in the community of nations and give us hope for tomorrow and national pride for today. Rather than discouraging us with their words and actions, Nigerian leaders must give us hope by using their language to draw out the very best in us. We must accept that nations only grow when elders plant trees whose shade they know they may never personally enjoy. Leaders must think of the next generation and not just the next election.
"While we celebrate Ukoma, Elizabeth and Ramota, I know that there are perhaps millions in Nigeria who are equally brilliant and only need the right enabling environment to unleash their creative genius and one of the reasons for many youths like myself contested for different elective seats across the country", Hon Tiamy concluded.
