Nigerian and African youths have what it takes to elect right leaders, Dr. Odiakpo Obire, founder of Good leadership for Africa, an NGO, has said.
Dr. Obire told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the side-line of an award ceremony in Abuja on Friday that the resolve by youths to elect good leaders was fundamental to their future and the successes of their countries.
“Good governance and good leadership are achievable and controllable by youths.
“Good leadership and good governance make strong institutions.
“The Africa and Nigeria of our dreams cannot be achieved if youths neglect accountability and advocacy for good leadership,’’ he said.
Obire stated that everyone appointed into leadership position could help to achieve a great Nigeria if they put the needs of the masses first and do what was expected of them.
He added that in 22 years of democracy in Nigeria, youths must rise to the responsibility of advocating for good leadership and accountability.
“Good governance starts from selecting good leaders.
“From the Federal Government to the local government, to appointees to the least held office, everyone has the responsibility to do the right thing,’’ he stressed.
He said the ceremony in which 30 persons from the private and public sectors got awards, aimed at encouraging African leaders to take their rightful place in the comity of nations.
In another interview with NAN, Louis Temisan, publisher of Abuja-based Mayorking Ultimate International Magazine, said a lot of people, institutions and NGOs were worthy of celebration because they advocated good governance.
“People, institutions and NGOs who support youth empowerment and community development deserve all the celebrations and recognitions,’’ he said.
According to him, advocating for and publicising good governance will challenge other lagging leaders to do better in their respective communities.
Another interviewee, Anthony Nwangwu, told NAN that good governance should be measured by good directions and steps taken by leaders to ensure that life was easy for the people.
He observed that good governance could not be measured by the number of cars leaders had or by how much cash they threw around, since good governance affects every facet of life.
Some categories of awards given at the ceremony were award for Excellence in Human Resource, award for Best Security Outfit and award for Best youth Empowerment.
The theme for the award was: “Good governance mentality for global impact.’’
(NAN)
