Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on Nigerian youths to take charge of building a better nation by electing leaders with competence, capacity, compassion, and character.
Obi made this appeal during the National Youth Rally commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON).
The event, hosted by the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, over the weekend.
Speaking at the rally, Obi lamented Nigeria’s missed opportunities, emphasizing that a country so richly endowed with human and natural resources should not be mired in hunger, insecurity, and poor governance.
“Becoming President of Nigeria is not a disaster. The real disaster is when leaders lack the courage and will to make the country work. We cannot remain on a path where leaders trade in lies while the people starve”, he said.
Obi urged young Nigerians, particularly those who had recently turned 18, to register to vote and actively participate in the electoral process.
He reminded them that their voter’s card is their most powerful tool for dismantling bad leadership. He also cautioned against selling votes, stating:
“Once you sell your vote, you have also sold your healthcare, your education, and your future. God has blessed Nigeria, but He will not come down to elect leaders for us. It is our responsibility to choose leaders who genuinely care for the people, especially the youth.”
Rev. Fr. Paschal Udo, Principal Chaplain of CYON in Awka Diocese, expressed gratitude to Obi for consistently engaging with young people.
“You may not fully realise the inspiration the young people draw simply by seeing and listening to you”, Fr. Udo said, commending Obi’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
He added that Nigerian youths were tired of endless complaints and ready to take decisive action.
“What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself. We are determined to take our future into our own hands. In you, we see the values of honesty, integrity, and truth, and we will continue to stand with leaders like you to change Nigeria”, he assured.
The rally brought together thousands of Catholic youths from across Nigeria to celebrate CYON’s 40th anniversary and to reaffirm their commitment to being at the forefront of the nation’s renewal.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role young Nigerians can play in shaping the country’s future.