Youth leaders across the country have urged Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and work together toward a brighter, united future for the nation.
This appeal came on Tuesday during the unveiling of the Nigeria Nexus, an initiative designed to inspire and mobilize the nation’s young people towards achieving collective progress.
The event, themed “The Unveiling of the Nigeria Nexus: A Vision for Nigeria’s Transformation”, saw youth leaders from diverse sectors come together to discuss the critical role of the youth in national development.
President of the Nigeria Youth Organization, Dr. Duke Alamgboye emphasised the need for sustained support of initiatives that contribute to nation-building.
“We are 100 per cent ready to support you in whatever Programme you are doing in the country, so far as it is for the good and the building of the nation,” Alamgboye stated.
He expressed optimism that Nigerian youths, driven by values of service and progress, would collaborate to realize a unified vision for the nation’s growth.
President of Nigeria Youth in Politics, Blessing Oyefeso further highlighted the absence of a clear national vision as a key factor in Nigeria’s underdevelopment.
Oyefeso stated, “The reason why Nigeria is where it is today is because of lack of vision. I asked myself, what is the vision for Nigeria? Can anybody come and tell me, from what you know, do we have a vision as a nation?”
Oyefeso argued that Nigeria needs a shared vision that transcends political cycles and regional differences.
Oyefeso suggested that this vision should be one rooted in unity, equity, and national development, and called for every Nigerian to rally behind this mission.
“If we’re able to have a clear vision as a nation, I think Nigeria will achieve the desired goal to save the future of our unborn generation,” he added.
The event’s convener and President of the Nigerian Nexus, Olufowobi Desmond stressed the importance of patriotism in achieving national development.
“Patriotism is the lifeblood of national development. It is the selfless love of one’s country, the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, and the drive to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Drawing from international examples, Onyekobi praised nations like the United States, Singapore, and South Africa, which, he said, achieved prosperity through a shared national vision.
“History repeats with leaders who paid the ultimate price for their country’s growth and development,” Onyekobi said.
He further appealed for a collective effort to transform Nigeria, pointing out that the nation’s potential remains largely untapped due to divisions and lack of direction.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We risk continuing the cycle of disunity and underdevelopment. The Nigerian Nexus is here to ignite the vision for a united, prosperous, and just Nigeria,” he urged.
A member of the Nigerian Nexus, Chioma Obot stressed that the youth have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the country.
“This is our time, we are in a season, we are in a generation, and this is our time to make things right,” she said.