By Kehinde Aderemi
A new initiative is gradually taking its root in the minds of some Nigerian youths. They want to change the country for the better and set it on the right pedestal.
Their approach is not difficult. They want to change the mindset of young Nigerians and stir them up to take charge of their destinies.
Recently, a good number of Nigerian youth from all walks of life gathered at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos at the First Massive Literati (FML) Economic Summit, where various issues affecting the Nigerian nation were discussed. The youths asserted that there was an urgent need to change the mindset of young Nigerians
In his speech, national president of FML, James Useghan, said the idea was to build a platform for a group of young and vibrant Nigerians that intend to provide solutions to the problems of the country.
“We are building a strong platform for self-discovery and creating avenues for leadership,” he said.
According to the president, the group has representatives from 22 states of the federation and still growing.
Useghan talked about the plans of the group, saying FML was not a political party but a movement of people of like minds, comprised of youths who have come together to find solutions to the problems confronting the Nigerian nation.
“This is a group of young elements in the Nigerian society, young persons that have the hunger to take their destinies in their hands and make things happen in their respective fields or areas of specialisation.
“In the last eight months, we have come a long way. And I am confident that Nigerian youths really want to be involved in the affairs of this country. Over the years, successive leaders have failed us in their promises to build a good future for the youth. And, so, today, we have to stand up for our rights and get things done the right way as it is being done in other countries of the world,” he said.
Popular public speaker, Fela Durotoye, spoke on good governance in Nigeria. He told the youth to take up the challenges of leadership, adding that the best way to impact the society was to be involved in the change process.
Olufisayo Okunsanya and Mathias Tsado spoke about the future of the Nigerian economy, youth and governance, respectively.
Ahmed Buhari also spoke about Nigeria’s diversity, the weakness and strength of the nation. But in all, they charged the youth to be determined in their efforts to seek the change they desired.
The question-and-answer session was engaging. The students asked the panelists some questions that had to do with career-building and other pressing issues.
Responding to some of the questions, Okusanya expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian youths to take on the challenges ahead, even as he urged them to look inward, discover and develop their innate talents in order to make positive impact in the nation building.