…Embarks on Peace Walk
Nigerian leaders have been called upon to create enabling environment for the youths, as well as give the young ones the opportunity to take up leadership positions and participate in building the country. The charge was given by Mrs. Ijeoma Ayaborsi, President, Young Christian Workers Movement of Nigeria (YCWM), Archdiocese of Lagos, during the 19th YCW International Workers’ Day 2023, with the theme, “Youth yearning to be engaged in nation building”, held at Festac Town, Lagos. Speaking on the theme, Ayarborsi said that in most countries in the world, the youths are very much engaged in politics; as she added that those below 40 are occupying leadership positions in these places as against Nigeria, where people have to be above 60 before they can attain positions in government. She said Nigerian youths are yearning and want to take part in running affairs of the country because they believe they can do as much good if not better what youths in other countries are doing. On the 2023 election, she said: “In all the years we have been experiencing election, the 2023 election is a different one entirely. The youths came out and showed that it’s their right to choose their leaders. Ayaborsi said in as much as they are called the leaders of tomorrow, the training starts now, as Nigerian youths want to be engaged in nation building. She added that the youths will keep pushing until the government listens to them. Stating that Nigerian youths have all it takes to get the country on the right track, Ayaborsi added that the walk the YCW is embarking on is an avenue to speak on things that are going wrong in the county and the young people be given a chance to put things right.
She urged employers to treat their workers right, “It starts with us. If am going to complain about the government high there, what am I doing in my little space? As the Archdiocesan President, how have I been able to carry out my own leadership as with the people that have been given to me? “So, it’s starts from the root before we get to the stem. With all that, we want to put up an action that brings about a reaction from the government.” Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Simon Okelezo, Chaplain, YCW, Festac Deanery, urged the youths to carry out their work conscientiously and diligently and fulfill their duties in their offices. He urged the people to be the light in their places of work and be faithful just like St. Joseph their Patron Saint was faithful to the work entrusted to him in the Holy Family. Giving the Keynote Address, Rev. Fr. John Okoro, commended the youths, as he noted that despite the factors preventing them in engaging in nation building, a good number of the young people took part in the last elections conducted in the country. Fr. Okoro listed high financial implications in running for political positions, vote buying and other corrupt practices during election, lack of mentorship and guidance, among others as challenges confronting the Nigerian youth from participating in nation building.