Amb. Dandela Abdulrahman has urged Nigerian youths to embrace peace and shun desperate politicians with divisive tendencies as the 2023 general election approaches.
He made the call in an interview on Tuesday in Jos.
Read Also: 40% Of Nigerian Youths Jobless; Restless Angry — Adesina
Abdurrahman was on Feb. 24, in Abuja, awarded United Nations Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
Abdurrahman, while thanking God for the recognition, expressed concern over the state of affairs in the country, particularly with how youths were often used to cause chaos and mayhem.
He called on the younger generation to desist from playing second fiddle to politicians and embrace peace as Nigeria needs peace now more than ever.
‘You see, I live by the mantra that God blesses the peacemakers, I am so happy that what I was doing over the years was recognised.’
‘To be recognised as a global Diplomat and Eminent Peace Ambassador, I am grateful to God that he opened the book of remembrance and remembered me.’
‘To be a peace advocate and promote peace wherever I find myself and that is why it saddens my heart to see the state of things in the country today.’
‘The youths who are the future of this nation, constantly allow themselves to be used by the older elites to cause a lot of confusion in the society.’
“I want to use this medium to call on the youths to embrace peace, think of development and be creative.’
“Drop anything that has to do with violence, things that will not add value to their lives, whatever they are doing, let them think of research and development primarily, ‘ he said.
Abdurahman challenged the youths to take their future in their hands by being responsible and pursue peace at all times.
” Let the youths think of the fact that this is their own generation, let them think of peaceful coexistence.
“Those people who are 65 and above have had their time, the youths should say to themselves, ‘we must reject the poison they are passing on to us.
“They should pass on to us the baton of peace, of development, and of reorientation – cultural, political and economic.
“Our youths need that, we must continue to preach that and sensitise them,” he said.
He also urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to up their game by showing the youths the way to go in order to enhance the leadership recruitment system for a better Nigeria.
“The National Orientation Agency must be able to catch up with these youths and preach peace to them and show them this is the way to go.
“Reject whatever form of violence being passed to you by this older generation of leaders or politicians at all levels,” he said.
He, therefore, advised all Nigerians to go back to the basics, if peace and unity must be attained in the country.
“So we must go back to do the right thing, we must teach our children to do the right thing – to respect elders, respect norms and values, to respect the religious teachings on peaceful co-existence in the country” he said.
