Nigeria Forward Urges Youths on National Unity, Development
AREWA AGENDA – The Convener of Nigeria Forward, a youth focused organization for national growth, Alhaji Haidar Aliyu Abubakar, has urged young people across the country to be vanguards for national unity and development.
Alhaji Haidar spoke while hosting members of Arewa Agenda, a Media Advocacy platform of young writers and Journalist from the North, geared towards National Unity and Development.
He opined that the ongoing #EndSARS uprisings in the country is a clear indication that youths are beginning to understand the extent of their power in demanding for good governance.
“Even though the protest may have been hijacked by lawless elements, you could see that from the beginning, it was a good opportunity for youths to present their demand and be heard.”
Alhaji Haidar who was a onetime Governorship Aspirant in Gombe State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said for the Nation to move forward, youths must possess the courage and audacity to champion a positive cause.
Going down memory lane, Haidar recalled how he went against established political forces in the State to pull his ambition through a democratic process of screening and primary elections.
“All of us that were contesting at the time on the platform of APC got an invitation to converge at Senator Goje’s House for a consensus and I felt if I subject myself, what would happen to my political career and what would happen to the point we want to make that young people can do it?
“After critical thinking it through, I refused and insisted on a democratic process through primary elections and pledged to support whoever emerged through such transparency and that was what I did, all my campaign machinery including vehicles, supporters and structure, I handed over to the eventual flagbearer.”
Read Also:
Alhaji Haidar who is also a businessman said he rejected the consensus arrangement because he believed that there’s nothing the old order can do that young people wouldn’t be able to do better and chickening out will pass the wrong message to his followers and teeming youths.
“I just got the premonition to contest because I believe I have the passion and zeal to do great things for people and I felt if they can do it, why can’t we? So I went for it. looking back, I have no regrets for that audacity,” he said.
Arewa Agenda recalls that in the run up to the 2019 General Election, Alhaji Haidar Aliyu Abubakar vied to contest for the Governorship seat in Gombe State.
Though he fell short of picking up the APC, Gubernatorial Ticket, Haidar who was the youngest aspirant in the State at the time believed that he has not only garnered valuable lessons and experience for daring to run, but his courage has enhanced the chances of young people to possess the audacity in seeking for elective offices and retiring the old order.
He went ahead to drum massive support for the party’s standard bearer, Alhaji Muhammad Umar Yahaya.
“I strongly believe we have proven the potentials of youths and we are glad we participated in the transparent process of screening and primary election. We will support fully the flagbearer, Alhaji Inuwa who emerged victorious at the primary.
“Like I said during my campaign tours, if elders possess the experience, the youth have the energy, if elders are the planners, the youth are the builders, if elders are blessed with the benefit of hindsight, the youth are enriched by foresight, powerful dreams and visions. WE will therefore be ready to support our leaders for the growth of our state and nation to greatness.” Haidar told teeming supporters.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of Young writers/journalist from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through positive narratives
