By Tochukwu Maxwell

Gatekeepers Foundation, yesterday, called on youths in the country to see themselves as leaders and refuse to be used as touts and thugs by politicians.

Addressing newsmen ahead of the forthcoming International Youth Day, Chief Executive Officer of Gatekeepers Foundation, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, disclosed that politicians bent on giving youths money to engage in the destruction of lives and property, are only concerned about destroying the future of the youths.

According to him, great leaders of today achieve their greatness from their youthful age and did not allow themselves to be used as political thugs.

Agbomhere, who would also be launching his new book, titled, ‘Wake Up Take Your Place,’ August 12, 2018, to mark the International Youth Day, declared that if past leaders, without computers, internet and modern civilization where able to achieve stardom in their youth, the youths of today do not have any reason not to do better.

He said the book would educate and teach every youth to wake up and take responsibility for their society and environment to build a better Nigeria.

He urged every youth to wake up and take their place in every aspect of the country to provide innovative idea for breakthrough and development that would make Nigeria and Africa stand shoulder to shoulder with other developed nation and continent.

Agbomhere said, “The solution to the problem of Nigeria lies in the inner abilities of the youth. Nigeria must inspire, motivate, mentor and empower her youth to live their inner abilities for the growth of advance Africa. Our leaders have given their best as youths. Good or not good enough it is high time the youth woke up from their docility and take their place in leadership and the development of Nigeria and Africa.

“Youth should see themselves as leaders of their family, and leaders of their peer group. When they see themselves as leaders, they would not allow themselves being use as political thugs.

“Every youth should stop going to social media to castigate someone who is doing well. Youths should read the biography of Nigeria’s great leaders to motivate them. Most of the current and past great leaders were not thugs at their young age.”

Speaking on the book, he said it aims to inspire the younger ones, adding that most of the youths don’t see themselves as leaders.

He also stated that his idea and vision was not all about celebrating International Youth Day, but highlighting the need for youths to take solution that would affect their lives positively.

He also noted that the right environment needed to be created for the youths, adding that the right environment cannot be created when the youths are not ready to fill the space which is created.

He said, “Nigeria has the power and the youth, but the youth do not know they have the power to make the country better; and they do not know their responsibilities in Nigeria. It is the duty of the youths to motivate themselves and fill the space. Nigeria youths should also start making decision that will help the country.”