Transform Nigerian political landscape using creative ideas- Cleric urges youth

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos 

Plateau Youth G17 Peace Progressive Forum leader, Rev. Joshua Sati, has urged youths to be innovative and to create ideas to transform the political landscape of Nigeria.

Rev Sati, who made the call at the Youth Leadership Summit organised by the G17, on Wednesday in Jos, said youths need to step in to help the democracy of the country grow in the right direction.

He explained that youths have the capacity and intellect to reposition the country’s democracy on the right path if they are willing to do so.

Sati maintained that the youths have made remarkable progress as young people.Adding that they have also improved the development of this nation since its inception.

“Those who fought for independence and even democracy were young people.

“The names we call today, Azikiwe, Sadauna, Awolowo, and others, were young people when they made remarkable achievements.

“If you look at the shift in governance, it can also be traced to the innovation and creativity of young people. He affirmed.

“We brought in presidents of students’ unions, ethnic nationalities youth leaders, the youth wing Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Jama’atul Nasri Islam (JNI).

“We want the young people to understand that they have a stake in building this nation,” he said.

Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jos Branch, Yakubu Bawa,
who was the guest speaker, identified the lack of transformational political leaders as the greatest challenge facing Nigeria.

Bawa, in a paper titled ‘Transformational Leadership: The Missing Piece in Nigeria’s Development Puzzle’, emphasised the need for a new constitution to address the country’s development woes.

According to him, Nigeria’s political landscape is plagued by leaders who prioritise personal interests over national growth, resulting in stagnation and underdevelopment.

Bawa, lamented the absence of visionary leaders who can drive innovative change and propel the country towards prosperity.

“The greatest problem of Nigeria is not corruption, insecurity, or economic downturn, but the lack of transformational political leaders who can harness the country’s vast resources for the betterment of all.

“As the country navigates its development journey, the need for visionary leaders and a robust constitutional framework has become increasingly evident, Bawa stated.

The for NBA leader further stressed the need for a new constitution, citing the current document’s limitations in addressing the country’s complexities.

He argued that a revised constitution would provide a solid foundation for Nigeria’s development, ensuring that power is truly vested in the people.

The legal practitioner further called for transformational leadership and constitutional reform, which resonates with many Nigerians who yearn for meaningful change.

Mr Hitler Pwajok, Special Adviser to the Plateau Governor on Youth Engagement, Mobilisation, and Mentorship, lauded the G17 for the thoughtful initiative.

Pwajok explained that the summit was aimed at empowering the youth with the requisite knowledge to harness the state’s abundant resources in line with the Plateau Government’s vision.

The special Adviser stated that Gov. Caleb Mutfwang prominently featured youths in his vision for the state. Adding that
many youths are in the state cabinet to contribute their quota for the development of the good governance of the state.