Youths are the conduit for political change in Nigeria- Ezekwesili

Youths are the conduit for political change in Nigeria- Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has asserted that the youth bear the responsibility for reshaping Africa’s political landscape, thereby facilitating substantial development across the continent.

At the matriculation ceremony for the 2023/2024 session of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja, Ezekwesili offered this perspective, according to reports from PoliticsNow.

She underscored the school’s mission, which aims to correct political irregularities and address economic performance issues. Ezekwesili highlighted the prevalent culture of dominant politics and the prevalence of cost-effective leadership throughout Africa, stressing the need to establish a new framework capable of challenging this entrenched political monopoly.

Ezekwesili articulated, “The establishment of the school was prompted by the necessity to find solutions to Nigeria’s political and economic performance challenges. Our current political landscape is characterized by a preponderance of low-cost leadership, and this form of leadership does not yield positive results.”

“To rectify these issues, we must create an alternative framework capable of competing with the established political class and their prevailing culture. Protests and complaints will not bring about change if the next National Assembly is populated by politicians from the same existing pipeline who continue to acquire new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The same applies to executives at the state and local government levels; we will witness no change.”

Ezekwesili firmly believes that the younger generation possesses the potential to effect change, underscoring the necessity for a critical mass of individuals who adopt a service-oriented mindset at all societal levels. She reminded her audience that the solution is derived from collective action rather than individual pursuits.

She concluded, “This is not a matter of individual aspirations; each one represents a crucial response to the pressing challenges facing our continent. We are currently in a state of determined frustration that compels you to devise solutions; your actions must be driven by purpose and intention.”