Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A youth development expert, Ayodeji Omonuade Adesina, has tasked Nigerian youths on the need to undergo leadership mentoring and equip themselves with the right knowledge, if they are to attain position of leadership.
Adesina, gave this task on the sideline of a youth seminar, organised by Young Leaders Initiative (YLI), held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The theme of the seminar was “Youth Involvement in Political Leadership and Governance: Challenges and Prospect”.
According to him, the youths still need the experience of the old politicians in order for them to succeed, but cautioned them to avoid what he termed “blind followership.”
He maintained that the youths need to prepare themselves for leadership positions by getting themselves equipped with right the knowledge and understanding.
Adesina, who is also angling for the House of Representatives seat of Abeokuta South, however, described the Not-Too-Young-To-Run law as a welcome development, insisting that youth must develop themselves thoroughly in order to make the law work in the country.
He said: “The youths need political leaders mentoring for Leadership positions and role. You must also ensure that all negotiations have your interest. Don’t follow godfathers blindly, leaving out your interest “.
“The relationship between the godsons (youths) and their godfathers should be advisory and not dictatorial”.
Delivering a paper entitled “Youth and Politics”, ace comedian and compere, Gbenga Adeyinka, urged youths to desist from mortgaging their future by collecting money from politicians.
He noted that with their numerical strength, youths posses the power to negotiate for leadership positions, addingh “youth can make anything to happen, if truly they are determined”.
“Stop collecting money from politicians, take ideas to them, ask questions on their activities. Create alternatives for them. It is only in Nigeria where president will become president without going for debate, likewise governors too”. Adeyinka stated.
