Be actively involved in how Nigeria is governed, Rinsola Abiola advises youths

Rinsola Abiola, senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on citizenship and leadership, has asked youths to be actively involved in how the nation is governed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday to celebrate the New Year, Abiola said youths can positively influence the democratic process through constructive engagement.

“To be Nigerian is to have the seed of greatness within you and to be a young Nigerian especially is to have a legacy of greatness that you must live up to,” the statement reads.

“It is, therefore, important for our youths to nurture their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to nation building and the attainment of development goals.

“We must borrow a leaf from our forebears and walk in their shoes while making the needed changes for the times that we are in.

“The future of this country will be influenced by the decisions that are made today, not just by those whom we have elected into positions of authority or others who occupy appointive positions but by every single person who is Nigerian and whose actions or inactions impact the country and others with a shared identity.

“Therefore, let us as young people resolve to be more actively involved in how our the nation is governed, to learn about the structure of government and the roles and responsibilities of those officials who are serving in our states and the federal government, and to seek ways to positively influence the democratic process through constructive engagement.

“My office stands ready to support young Nigerians on a quest for civic education and leadership development.”

Abiola advised youths to be “active citizens who are committed to democratic ideals and nation-building”.

She said youths should work with law enforcement agencies to tackle crime and resolve conflicts only through legal means.

“Let us commit to doing what is right at all times and to being good ambassadors of not just our country, but also of our generation,” she said.

“Let us be model citizens who foster unity and cohesion, who take initiative in our respective communities, who prioritise positive digital citizenship, and who think about how our actions impact others.”

Abiola said working together and shunning divisive tendencies are essential to attaining a prosperous Nigeria.