Atiku to youths: Don’t give up on Nigeria — you can’t be spectators in your nation’s history

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerian youths to rise above despair and actively build a united nation through dialogue and resolve.

Abubakar made the remarks while delivering a keynote address on Monday, at the 28th anniversary of the passing of Shehu Yar’Adua, a former chief of staff and renowned politician.

He described the late general as a “mentor, brother-in-arms, and moral compass” whose ideals continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

Abubakar, who shared a close political bond with Yar’Adua, said Nigerian youths should emulate his protege’s stance on justice, equity, and unity over tribal or regional divisions.

“Twenty-eight years have passed since Shehu left us, yet I feel his presence in the rhythm of our political discourse and in the heart of every Nigerian who believes in justice and in the promise of this country,” Abubakar said.

In the speech titled ‘The Union We Hope to Become’, Abubakar implored Nigerian youths not to give into bitterness despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges, including deepening divisions, high unemployment rate, insecurity, and widespread disillusionment.

“Our youths in particular, need to note that our nation stands again at a turning point. As we face unemployment, insecurity, disillusionment, and division, some have lost patience and many have also lost trust,” he said.

“Yet amidst this despair, Shehu’s message to you all is: Do not give up on your country. Do not give up on one another.”

He also called on the younger generation to prioritise transparent governance, meritocracy, and empathy.

Abubakar urged Nigerian youths to become the creators of their own fortunes, adding that it is their responsibility to take the baton from the older generation and not only continue the struggle for a just and united Nigeria, but to finish it excellently.

“So, to every young Nigerian listening today, let me say this: You are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your own nation’s story. You MUST be the authors, the dreamers, the doers, and the builders of a new Nigeria,” he said.

“I urge our youths to rise, not in anger but with resolve. Let us heal our divisions with dialogue, not silence.

“Let us remember that our diversity is not a curse — it is our greatest blessing. This is the time to transform Shehu’s vision into a living reality.

“Our youths must become the generation that dared to finish what others began. You have to prove that the union Shehu hoped for can indeed be the union we become.”