2027 NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has celebrated Nigerian youths on International Youth Day, describing them as the country’s “greatest national asset” and urging greater investment in their future.
Obi, in a message on Wednesday marking the occasion, praised the courage, creativity, energy and potential of young Nigerians, stressing that youths should not be seen merely as leaders of tomorrow but as key contributors to the country’s development today.
He said a recent experience while travelling to Bauchi reinforced his belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel when given the opportunity.
“Yesterday, while travelling to Bauchi, I was reminded once again of what our youths are capable of,” Obi said.
According to him, the two pilots who flew the aircraft were young men aged 20 and 28, while members of the cabin crew were also in their 20s.
He said their competence, confidence and professionalism demonstrated that age should not be a barrier to excellence.
“Their competence, confidence, and professionalism were a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to excellence when young people are allowed to learn, work, and lead,” he said.
Obi noted that Nigerian youths continue to distinguish themselves across various sectors, including football, technology, medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship, academia and the creative industries.
He, however, argued that the country needs to do more to create the conditions necessary for young Nigerians to realise their potential.
“Across football, technology, medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship, academia, the creative industries, and countless other fields, our young people continue to demonstrate that Nigeria has no shortage of talent,” he said.
“What we lack is the deliberate investment and enabling environment to help that talent flourish.”
The former governor called for increased investment in quality education, skills development, healthcare, technology, sports and decent employment opportunities.
He also stressed the need to build a country where young Nigerians can achieve their ambitions without being forced to seek opportunities abroad.
“We must create a country where a young Nigerian does not have to leave Nigeria to fulfil his or her potential,” Obi said.
He maintained that young Nigerians should be viewed as partners in national development rather than as a problem for government to manage.
“Our youths are not a burden to be managed. They are our greatest national asset and the builders of the Nigeria we desire,” he said.
Obi further reaffirmed his commitment to a Nigeria where young people have opportunities to acquire knowledge, secure employment, innovate, take leadership roles and prosper.
“On this International Youth Day, I celebrate our young people and reaffirm my commitment to a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to learn, work, create, lead, and prosper,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the active participation of young Nigerians could help drive the emergence of a better country.
“With the support and active participation of the youth, a new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said, as he wished Nigerian youths a happy International Youth Day.
