Be ambassadors of peaceful Nigeria, SYDF charges youths

The National President of the Southern Youth Development Forum (SYDF), Pastor Bassey James, has urged youths across the country to be ambassadors of a united and peaceful Nigeria.

According to him, the youth constitute an active population of the country and should channel their energy into positive endeavors rather than destructive ones.

James made this call at a press conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, ahead of the forthcoming national conference organized by the Forum in October 2024.

He announced that the conference will be held in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Owerri, and will also be streamed virtually on all social media platforms.

Speaking on the aims of the conference, he said it is intended to chart a path for the youth to become ambassadors of peace and unity in Nigeria, instilling in them a renewed sense of patriotism and hope for a better Nigeria.

He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used as tools to undermine the unity and prosperity of Nigeria, while also appealing to them to join hands with President Bola Tinubu in building a better and more prosperous nation for all.

He said, “The conference is timely. It is designed to engage youths across all regions of the country. It aims to build a strong, united, and peaceful Nigeria and to encourage our youth to support the current administration.

“The conference will commence in Abuja in October. We are reaching out to nearly all political leaders and stakeholders involved in the Nigerian project. We want to make our youth peace ambassadors. We want to instill in them feelings of patriotism. They own Nigeria and should treat the country as their prized possession.

“They should not allow external influences to mislead them into destabilizing their homeland because they have no other place to go. This conference is organized by the SYDF, and we have coordinators from various regions of the country and the diaspora. Our team is mobilizing to ensure maximum participation by the country’s youth, as the foundation the President has laid must not be destroyed.

“Our youths engaging in violent protests and the destruction of national assets is not what we need in Nigeria right now. We will kick-start the conference in Abuja in October, and by the grace of God, it will be held in all zones of the country.

ALSO READ: ^{FG empowers over 500 tomatoes farmers in Edo}

“We have no other country aside from Nigeria. In the last few years, this country has suffered significant loss of lives and valuable assets. The ongoing protest is moving towards a similar path, and if not promptly checked, it could lead to something akin to EndSARS.

“Our youths have spoken, and the President has listened. He is addressing all the issues raised. We want to use this opportunity to remind our youths that there is hope for a better Nigeria. We want them to know that President Tinubu is a listening President, and he has laid the groundwork for progress for the country and its youth with sustainable projects. Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to take to the streets to destroy and harm others.

“I also want to commend Nigerian students for throwing their support behind the President. We applaud the students for their nationalist outlook and their decision not to join protests that do not contribute to the progress of our country.

“Tinubu has demonstrated the capacity to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes in his first term, and he should be allowed to achieve this.”

The South-East Coordinator, Elder Uche Idechukwuka, commended President Tinubu for signing into law the South East Development Commission bill, stating that it will be of immense benefit to the people of the Southeast region.

The Diaspora Coordinator, Comrade Gerald Emeka Obielom, said that contrary to the falsehoods being spread on social media platforms, the Igbos in the diaspora are united and support President Tinubu, especially for the inclusion of Igbos in his government.

He said, “Today, under President Tinubu’s administration, our people hold strategic positions in government. He gives us a sense of belonging and responsibility, and we will continue to encourage our people to support him.”

On his part, Emeka Chigbo affirmed that the Igbos are industrious and peaceful people who are committed to the development of Nigeria.

He said, “There is no local government in Nigeria where you will not see an Igbo man living peacefully with others. We want a strong and united Nigeria where business and investment can thrive. I commend the student union bodies across the country for not joining the protests. We are totally against them because they are anti-development, anti-progress, and detrimental to the nation. We want peace ambassadors, unity ambassadors, and young leaders who will speak the language of a glorious Nigeria.”