Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Nigerian youths have been advised to always build on the unity of the nation by developing a nationalistic mindset for future leadership in the country.
This call was however made recently by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, while delivering a key note address titled; The Youth as forebears of the New Nigeria at the 2018 edition of United Action for Change Youth Leadership Training Programme at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos.
In her address, she reiterated the need to develope a nationalistic mindset to enable them avoid being employed by war mongers, to gain political interest, ethnic and religious jingoists who peddle divisive narratives for selfish gains.
According to her, youths should shun leaders who wield religious sentiments and always ready to drag them into unnecessary conflicts but rather they should look for role models that can make them realize that they have a common destiny with the Nigerian nation.
Usman therefore, advised that, “The pride of the country is in its diversity and the new Nigeria must be one in which leaders employ the things that bind us together, efforts to limit the fault lines and the divisions that they bring. There can be no greatness for Nigeria if every citizen of the country cannot feel at home whether they are in States like, Sokoto, Ilorin, Lagos, Uyo and Aba.
The onus to ensure that we have a country where every single Nigerian can proudly call home lies in the hands of our youth, adding that they need to develop a cosmopolitan mindset which abhors all forms of discrimination and prioritize merit, honesty, hard work and love for Nigeria, noting that appointments or recognition is not given on religious or ethnic backgrounds but rather on discipline, dedication, commitment, diligence, she said.
She pointed out that as youths who aspire to lead country highly endowed with several mineral resources, we must approach things holistically and develop a deep sense of a true sportsmanship living with contentment, none of which can happen without self-worth and self-control, essential life skills that need development also include the capacity to work under pressure, work with others and take decisions that reflect a deep understanding of the situation.
She added that potential leaders must also learn to read and be attentive listeners”, she said.
She said they should cultivate a sense of humility for service to the people and embrace politics early by emulating Nigerian leaders like Messrs, Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe who became leaders in their Thirties (30s) and Senator Hillary Clinton of the United States of America, who wanted to be President at 69, have been in public service for over four decades as well as President Obama who became America President at the age of 46, went into active public service at 24.
Usman however, urged the Federal Government to encourage the younger generations and give them opportunities to contribute to national development.
While presenting his speech, the convener of the United Action for Change, Dr. Muniz Banire said the 3 day training program was put together for close to 150 youths in fulfillment of the mission of preparing a new generation of future leaders with right vision and values to effect the much desired change in Nigeria.
Dr. Banire commended therefore commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority for for showing commendable interest in youths development which she had demonstrated by not only attending the function but delivered a paper that will forever stand the test of time as a valuable material in the library of of the youths, he said.