Gowon, Utomi Task Nigerian Youths On Leadership Qualities

A former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon and a frontline politician, Prof. Pat Utomi have expressed confidence in Nigerian youths but urged them to cultivate leadership qualities that would help chart a new course for the country.

Gowon made the call at a National Youth Summit in Lagos on Friday and advised the older generation to delegate duties to youths that would challenge and equip them for leadership.

The summit, organised by the World Igbo Youth Assembly (WIYA), had as theme: “The Labour of Our Heroes Past”.

Gowon, represented by Amb.Moses Ihonde, however, admonished the youth not to despise the wisdom and experience of the old, stressing that “the young cannot do it alone.

“The labour of our heroes past presupposes a plan to leverage the good works of past leaders to chart a new direction for this country.

“We must harness the vibrancy and exuberance of youth with the experience of the old to get the best for our society,’’ he said.

The former military head of state said although a number of youths were in a hurry, they should not be over-ambitious to get to the top at all cost.

Gowon urged young people to work assiduously and pursue things that would lead to the overall development of the country.

“The youths must ensure that they get basic education, at least to university level. They must work hard and have integrity. You must not always make the end to justify the means.

“When you have the right qualities and apply yourself with diligence, you will attract attention to yourself and be qualified for higher position responsibilities and authority,’’ he said.

The Chairman of WIYA Board of Trustees, Prof. Pat Utomi, noted that Nigerian youths were rising in unison as if they were being challenged.

Utomi said since some past and present leaders had failed the country, opportunity should be given to vibrant young men and women to make meaningful change in the country’s developmental process.

“With our youths in leadership position, Nigeria will rise again. We must allow the spirit of youths to renew this country,’’ he said.