The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a beacon of hopelessness rather than a path to prosperity, particularly for the youth of Nigeria.
According to the ADC, the government’s neglect of the younger generation is eroding the nation’s potential and stifling the creativity and ambitions of its youth.
The National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, voiced these concerns in Abuja during the inauguration of the ADC Youth Council.
In his address, Nwosu lamented the lack of meaningful engagement and opportunities for Nigerian youths under the current administration.
He pointed out that while other nations are actively investing in their youth through strategic policies and sports initiatives, the Nigerian government seems preoccupied with maintaining the status quo and indulging in luxuries at the expense of the nation’s future.
“We are running a government that speaks of a Renewed Hope Agenda, yet there is no clear direction or tangible targets,” Nwosu stated.
“Where are the goalposts for our economic team, our Aviation Minister, or our tourism sector? Everything seems to be crumbling, and there is no strategic plan in sight.”
Chief Nwosu emphasised the demographic significance of Nigeria’s youth, noting that over 70 per cent of the country’s population is made up of young people.
However, despite this vast resource, the government appears to lack the vision or commitment to harness their potential. Nwosu argued that the government’s disregard for youth engagement and empowerment is a critical failure that is impeding the nation’s progress.
Comparing Nigeria’s economic situation to global benchmarks, Nwosu pointed out the stark differences in economic output and strategic planning.
“Nigeria has a GDP of about $200 billion, yet there are individual companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft that generate annual revenues running into trillions of dollars.
The remarkable fact is that four of these companies were established by young entrepreneurs in their twenties,” he highlighted. This comparison underscored the missed opportunities for Nigeria, where young talent is abundant but underutilised.
Nwosu also contrasted Nigeria’s approach to economic management with that of Saudi Arabia, a nation that has proactively embraced economic diversification and privatisation to secure its future.
“Saudi Arabia, through the privatisation of its state-owned oil company, has articulated a clear and ambitious vision for its future,” Nwosu said. “In contrast, Nigeria’s government continues to stumble in the dark, with no clear plan for its oil sector or the broader economy.”
Chief Nwosu’s remarks were not merely criticisms but also served as a call to action for Nigerian youth.
He urged the newly inaugurated ADC Youth Council to become a beacon of innovation and leadership, not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
“The ADC Youth Council is being inaugurated with a mission to light the way forward, not just for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole. Our youths must rise to the challenge, bringing fresh, innovative ideas that can drive progress and development,” he said.
The inauguration of the ADC Youth Council marks a significant step in the party’s commitment to youth empowerment.
Nwosu reiterated that the council would serve as a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, propose solutions, and actively participate in shaping the future of the nation.
He stressed the importance of youth-led initiatives and the need for policies that directly address the aspirations and challenges of young people.
Chief Nwosu concluded by calling on the Tinubu administration to reconsider its approach and make youth engagement a priority.
“Our nation’s future rests on the shoulders of our young people. It is time for the government to stop paying lip service to youth empowerment and start implementing concrete actions that will truly renew hope for Nigeria’s youth,” he urged.
The ADC’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among many Nigerians who are eager for more proactive and inclusive governance.
As the government continues to tout its Renewed Hope Agenda, the ADC’s critique serves as a reminder that hope must be grounded in action, particularly in empowering the nation’s youth who are the cornerstone of its future.
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