The Chairman of a non-profit organisation, Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has stated that the youths have learnt a lesson from the events of the past two weeks and should back up their demands with political activism.
He made this known when he was speaking on Arise TV The Morning Show programme on Friday where he stated that the youths were the majority as they were 60-65% of the population.
The 65-year-old condemned the attack especially the violence recorded at Lekki toll gate while condoling with the youths and families of victims, he also cautioned the youths against divisive elements and urged them to be wary of thugs.
Peterside said, “2050 is for the youths of today. It is not for those in my generation.
“We are talking about the future of Nigeria and it is for the youths. So, if things happened that get the youths to be disenchanted nationwide, then we are in trouble.
“I think what happened on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, can be turned around because it was the event of that day that made those who had no interest in politics to wake up.
“The best time to build a nation is when the youths who are in the majority, they are at least 60 to 65 per cent, have been awakened. The gentle giants move a nation forward.
“The youths themselves have learnt some lessons from these incidents. You will be most effective when you link your demands with political activism. They should start getting their voter’s cards. Don’t wait for the last one month or two months because then your cards may fail to arrive.
“There is no force more powerful than the youths in Nigeria in terms of voting. They should become politically active and send some messages.“Based on what happened, concluded that the youths should plan to take their country back from 2023. I’m a democrat and I will not encourage anything that will subvert democracy.
“You voted for some people and you have to see it through.
Source: Punch
