The Kogi State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki, has urged Kogi and Nigerian youths to use the 66th Independence Anniversary to demand accountability, jobs, security and genuine inclusion from government at all levels.
In a statement issued on Thursday to mark the occasion, Adazaki said it was difficult for young Nigerians to celebrate while hunger, unemployment, insecurity and hardship had become a daily reality.
“Happy Independence Day to every young Nigerian. But let me be honest, it is hard to celebrate when our people are struggling to eat, to pay rent, to buy fuel, to see doctors, and to get jobs. That is not the freedom our founding fathers fought for,” he said.
The PDP youth leader also took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Kogi State, accusing it of neglecting young people and failing to address the state’s pressing challenges.
“In Kogi State, it is the same story. Our schools are decaying, hospitals are empty, workers and pensioners are owed, and youth inclusion is only on paper. They remember us during elections. After elections, we become invisible. They use our young people as thugs, then abandon them when trouble comes. That must stop,” he said.
Adazaki urged Nigerian youths to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), vote and protect their votes, while pursuing good governance peacefully and within the law.
“So today, I am not asking you to just wave flags. I am asking you to get your PVC. Register. Verify. Vote. Protect your vote. Hold leaders accountable. Join peaceful movements. Demand jobs, security, education, healthcare and genuine youth inclusion. Do it lawfully, do it peacefully, but do it seriously,” he said.
He warned governments at both the federal and state levels that the youth were waking up and would no longer accept empty promises.
“To the government, whether in Abuja or Lokoja: you cannot keep ruling like this and expect silence. The youth are waking up. If you cannot provide security, jobs, and hope, then step aside. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a few,” Adazaki said.
The Kogi PDP youth leader assured young people that the party would continue to fight for their interests and would not exploit them for political purposes.
“As your Kogi State PDP Youth Leader, I promise we will not use you. We will fight for you. We will push for a better Kogi and a better Nigeria. But we need your energy, your brains, your votes, and your unity. Happy Independence Day. But let it be a day of honest reflection, not just celebration,” he said.
Adazaki concluded his message with prayers for the state and the country, saying, “God bless Kogi State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
