Nigeria Can Be Like UAE If Youths Elect Visionary Leaders – Former Senate President

Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has advised youths in the country to unite and enthrone leaders that will transform the country the way the United Arab Emirates(UAE) was transformed.

Anyim Pius gave the remark on Saturday at the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria(HURIWA) 2020 Annual General Lecture in Abuja.

A former Senator (Kaduna Central), Shehu Sani, also graced the event.

Anyim Pius said that in April 2019, a visionary leader like the ruler of Dubai – Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum- had launched the world’s first virtual Ministry of Possibilities which eventually helped to transform the country to a centre of global attraction.

He stressed that since every society is a reflection of the leadership capabilities of its leaders, the youths should elect visionary leaders as can be found in the UAE and Rwanda.

He said the youths could play a critical role in development if they venture into politics or pursue their areas of passion.

“We all know our expectations of leadership in today’s Nigeria. In sincerity, and I hold this to be personally true: our next 80 years leaders must be those who plan for the next generation and not the next election. Such leaders must be over and above tribal and religious divides.

“Their focus must be anchored on concerns for the next generation.

“With its population, diversity, natural resources and human capital, Nigeria can be a leading nation of this century. Our youths, who are well represented here today, constitute the largest active segment of over 200 million people. They are well positioned to propel this nation to greatness by showing more political interest and holding leaders to account,” he said.

Furthermore, he observed that the world was evolving in the 21st century in so many ways thereby witnessing a gradual departure from over-dependence on oil to technological revolution and the exploration of citizen’s intellectual property.

He also said that leaders should be concerned about the nation’s growing population and the demands associated with it,hence, the need to put proactive plans in place.

As such, he held that Nigerian leaders must understand the times and maximize its new opportunities for the socio-economic wellbeing of the country.

“I will like to emphasize that the 21st century is a century of possibilities. Not possibilities of just playing a catch-up, but possibilities and prospects of new inventions that can further change our world and improve on how we live.

” Nigeria as a nation cannot be left behind. It is important that we take advantage of the growing spate and benefits of existing technology; but it is even more important that we chart a course as a nation and take a lead.

“As a nation, we must take deliberate sustained steps and actions, with an eye on global technology competition. The world is at “war” and the arena is leadership in technology and science and it appear to me that anyone can win in the remaining 80 years of this century.

“The future will not be driven by oil or traditional agricultural system or governance system. It will not be driven by ideas, projects and technologies that become obsolete before they are even consummated or completed, or before they even take off,” he added.

Meanwhile, he further observed that transforming the country would be an almost impossible task if those vested with leadership responsibilities lacked the political will to drive the country to greatness.

“Nigeria is faced by myriad of challenges including climate change, banditry, violent insurgency, consumer and import dependent economy. The consequential leaders are those who can take the lead in addressing these challenges and other global issues and set the young population on a course of national rebirth.

“They are leaders that redefine the national vision and commit to set the country on the path of exponential economic growth.

“This cannot happen unless leaders recognize the potential of youths and tap into it. The next 80 years of the 21st century would be driven by youths and youthful thinking. Leaders who would be relevant are those who are youth-centric. The youths deserve and will demand for leaders who encapsulate the possibilities of the 21st century,” he said.

Also, at the event, HURIWA’s president, Emmanuel Onwubiko condemned the call for the exit of Amnesty International from Nigeria.

He observed that Amnesty exists to put checks and balance on government and other stakeholders.

Recall that Amnesty International had on Friday, stated that it had received threats to leave the country over its watchdog function among other things.

Onwubiko urged the federal government to arrest those issuing the threats, adding that human rights groups should be allowed to operate.

“Nobody under the sun can drive Amnesty International out of Nigeria.

“We want the federal government to arrest them,” he added.

In his address, Shehu Sani maintained that young people through the ENDSARs protests have made their demands known to the powers that be.

“EndSARs is a protest against a system that is fallen.

“No matter how you try to interpret it, Nigerian youths have been able to achieve what many of us have failed to achieve.

“They are interested in the progress and unity of this country.

“In the interest of our country, we need to listen to our young people,” he said.