TheCable

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has called on Nigerian youths not to be discouraged by the current situation of the nation.

Obi via a Twitter thread on Saturday to mark World Youth Day, urged youths “to remain steadfast, positive and hopeful for the coming of a New Nigeria that will be anchored on youth development and productivity”.

“The current political confusion and economic challenges in our nation should not discourage our youths, but instead, motivate them to remain committed and resolute in the struggle for a new and better Nigeria,” Obi said.

“Unless we remain committed to the struggle for a better nation, we will not be able to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams. We must remain resilient and persevere against every hardship and obstacle on our journey to a new nation.”

The former governor of Anambra further said many of the challenges facing the country can be tackled if leaders pay attention to youth development.

He said the “high level of insecurity and the social vices associated with youths, like drug and other substance abuse” will be whittled down if we build a better economy, where the youths are productively engaged.

“According to reports, Nigeria tops in the ranking of countries with the highest rate of unemployment in the world, with a 33.3% unemployment rate.

“And further findings show that Nigeria’s unemployment rate would further rise to 40.6%, showing that more than half of the population in their productive age are not working.

“As a result, the nation will continue to stagger under the weight of many economic and social challenges.

“By providing a conducive economic environment and supporting the growth of small businesses in the country, the nation will rise above many of its challenges.

“I remain committed to building a new Nigeria anchored on youth development because their energy, skills, and potentials are critical ingredients needed to move our nation from consumption to production.”