Former Head of State and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), said Wednesday that Nigerians should not allow the challenges confronting the nation to lead them into despair.
Addressing some Nigerian Youth Groups as part of his 72nd birthday in Abuja, Buhari pointed out that Nigeria’s problems, which have persisted over the years, are self-inflicted and can be addressed only with the right leadership and the right attitude to governance.
He said, “Dreams for a better Nigeria might have been temporarily halted, but our resolve has never wavered. We must get our acts together and salvage our country. It will be criminal to waste the exciting potentials I see in you”.
Buhari said further that Nigeria has no business with poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment, stressing that an APC government will therefore ensure that the country’s commonwealth is used to develop the country for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He said: “What is at stake is the future of Nigeria. The struggle is for the millions of Nigerians who have been driven from their homes by terrorists. It is about the tens of millions of Nigerians who have no jobs, no sense of security and no hope for a better future. It is about putting Nigeria first.
“The need for change is imperative. The future of Nigeria is about your future. The big question is: Do we have the courage to vote for change? Are you ready to join me in securing our country and our future?”
On his birthday, he said: “Let me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to God, who has given me long life and good health and for sustaining my passion and commitment to continue to serve our dear country, Nigeria.
“Usually, reaching another milestone in life is a cause for celebration. And while I appreciate the opportunity to engage with young people who are the future leaders of our country, I cannot pretend to be as happy as I ought to be. Nevertheless, we shall not allow the challenges confronting Nigeria to lead us to despair.
“I have never wavered from my desire to contribute to a better Nigeria, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. The true mark of character is for one to believe in a good cause, and to have the courage and conviction to fight for that good cause regardless of all obstacles and challenges.
“Every time I meet and interact with young Nigerians from every parts of the country, I am struck by your vitality, confidence, intelligence, creativity and vision. These are the ingredients needed to forge a great country. The only missing component is visionary leadership that would channel your energies and resourcefulness into cohesive social and economic mechanisms to develop Nigeria.
“Hopefully, I shall provide you with all the support that you require, and also create and sustain the enabling environment you need to unleash your potentials not only in Nigeria, but across the world. Nothing gladdens my heart more than stories of young Nigerians demonstrating their intellectual and creative talents and skills on the global stage”.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate