The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has advocated the urgent need for the family as the first socializing unit, the government, religious and opinion leaders, as well as various non-governmental organizations to work assiduously to inculcate in the youths the virtues of hard work, patriotism, and exemplary leadership.
This, he said, was in addition to creating the conducive atmosphere for the realization of the numerous potentials of the youths to enable
them play the expected roles as future leaders, adding that it is not
too late to remove the encumbrances on the way to actualizing the Nigerian youths as future leaders.
Oba Adeyemi gave the admonition while addressing traders,
including some protesting students at Akesan and Ajegunle markets.
It was on the heels of undesirable acts that are being perpetrated by
hoodlums in the ancient town in the last few days, thus causing panics
among the peace-loving residents
According to the monarch, ‘’it is only when we have the right legacy to bequeath as well as the youths with the right frame of mind, opportunities and conducive atmosphere and readiness to receive same and keep the flag flying that we can truly be said to understand the full import of leaders. The implication portends something ominous for the society as a whole’’.
He pointed out that all over the world youths are regarded as the
future leaders of the society, stressing that ‘’this is not a misplaced or wistful thinking as this class of energetic citizens
posses enormous and multi dimensional talents, powers and creative abilities which if moulded and harnessed in a fit and proper
atmosphere, can translate to generational wellbeing in the social,
political and economic life of the society.
‘’It is against this backdrop that nations, particularly those subscribing to democratic norms and values, evolve deliberate policy
measures aimed at prioritizing genuine issues geared towards giving eloquent expression to youth development, self-actualization and
repositioning for future leadership’’.
Alaafin recalled that in Nigeria, the youths, particularly in the pre
–independence era and shortly thereafter, played formidable roles
leading to monumental gains in politics, economy, technology, commerce and industry just to mentioned few.
Said he, ‘’indeed, prominent leaders of the 60s, including chief
Obafemi Awolowo aged 37, Samuel Ladoke Akintola 36, Ahmadu Bello 36, Alhaji Tafawe Balewa 34, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh 27, Chief Anthony Enahoro 27 among others who found the mantle of leadership entrusted to them at these youthful periods of their lives and that of the
nation played remarkable roles in laying solid foundation for the
nation before they were sent packing by the military junta.
‘’Today, the story is unfortunately no longer the same as the youth, unlike their counter parts in the days of yore, have come under severe encumbrances which if not tackled would continue to make the concept of youths as future leaders nothing but a nightmarish and wishful thinking’’.
The paramount ruler went further, ‘’today, high level unemployment, excruciating poverty, homelessness, hunger and disease, involvement in cultism and cult-related violence, political thuggery, sectarian extremism, get rich-quick syndrome, insurgency and terrorism as well as lack of patriotism constitute veritable catastrophic cataclysm taking the shine out of the time-honoured role and desire for the Nigerian youths to step into the shoes as future leaders’’.
