Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians youths not to be spectators in the Nigerian story.
Atiku, who said the youths are not powerless, asked them to draw inspiration from the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s life and legacy, emphasising the need for unity, justice, and good governance.
Speaking at the 28th anniversary of Yar’Adua’s passing, Atiku called on the youth to take up the mantle of leadership and work towards building a better Nigeria.
Late Gen Yar’Adua was a de facto vice president of Nigeria as chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, when Nigeria was under military rule from 1976 to 1979.
He became an influential politician during the transition to civilian rule in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. He died in 1997 while in detention by the military Junta of Late Gen Sani Abacha.
His younger brother, Umaru Yar’Adua, became the president of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He died in office.
However, speaking yesterday, Atiku, who was Shehu Yar’Adua’s political benefactor, said, “So, to every young Nigerian listening today, let me say this: You are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your own nation’s story. You MUST be the authors, the dreamers, the doers, and the builders of a new Nigeria.
“I urge our youths to rise, not in anger but with resolve. Let us heal our divisions with dialogue, not silence. Let us remember that our diversity is not a curse – it is our greatest blessing. This is the time to transform Shehu’s vision into a living reality.
“Our youths must become the generation that dared to finish what others began. You have to prove that the union Shehu hoped for can indeed be the union we become,” he said.
Atiku emphasised Yar’Adua’s belief in democracy, equality, and opportunity for all. “He believed that no Nigerian should be made to feel small because of his/her faith, his/her tongue, or his/her birthplace,” he noted.
The event highlighted the importance of embracing Yar’Adua’s values of integrity, service, and patriotism to address Nigeria’s current challenges. Atiku stressed that the country must come together to achieve progress and prosperity.
“Our youths must become the generation that dared to finish what others began,” Atiku said, urging Nigerians to work towards healing divisions and promoting dialogue.
Reflecting on the legacy of the family, Atiku said “The Yar’adua family has borne both the burden and the glory of service to Nigeria with unmatched grace.
“Through your family’s sacrifice, our nation has gotten a lineage of leadership defined by integrity, intellect, and patriotism. Your “gift” to our nation, gave substance to the dreams of millions of our citizens.
“Shehu’s ideals live because you allowed the rest of us to share in his life and legacy.
“For this, on behalf of his comrades-in-struggle and the many whose lives he touched, I extend our profound gratitude,” he said.
Credit: Leadership