A former governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, has called on Nigerian youths to rise up and take responsibility for salvaging the country. Abubakar made this statement at the First Bauchi SDGs Youth Summit 2024.
According to Abubakar, his generation, including himself, has failed to provide the kind of leadership Nigerians deserve. “My generation has failed. We keep taking Nigeria to the precipice, and Allah brings it back. This is doing the same thing and expecting different results, which some call madness,” he stated.
Abubakar disclosed that during his administration, he deliberately invested in youth development by populating his executive council with young individuals based on their abilities, not connections. He warned that leaders should be wary of the future when youths are not trained to be ready for leadership roles.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Salis Gamawa, advised youths to seek opportunities to innovate and make a difference in the country’s socio-economic narrative instead of searching for non-existent white-collar jobs. Gamawa emphasized that the system has changed and youths must adjust their thinking.
Gamawa noted that being a leader is not about holding positions of power but about leading oneself. “Life is a project, and the best thing you can do is project a better image of yourself,” he said.
The summit was attended by numerous youths from across the region, including students from secondary and tertiary institutions. Abubakar’s call to action challenges Nigerian youths to take charge and create change.