TheCable

Matthew Kukah, Catholic bishop of Sokoto, says young Nigerians must “break the walls of ethnicity” by electing leaders who will create a better country in 2023.

Kukah spoke on Thursday in an interview on Channels Television.

Speaking on the role of youths in the 2023 elections, Kukah said young Nigerians will determine the outcome of the next general election.

The Catholic bishop added it would be a tragedy for young Nigerians if they do not see that they have the opportunity to change the country.

“This election, whether we like it or not, is going to be determined by the young people of Nigeria, who are better informed and far more patriotic than those who governed them,” he said.

“They love this country more than those who governed them and understand where the rest of the world is going far better than those who governed them.

“So guess what? If you are young, there is a job for you — change this country. The wonderful part of this story is that we say that young people make up about 60 percent of the population of Nigeria. This is their moment, they have the ability and capacity.

“It would be a tragedy if they don’t see the opportunity that is available for them. The challenge for young people is to move beyond the silo that has held us back — break down the walls of dubious ethnicity and regionalism.

“Break down those walls erected by criminals who have no interest in your future; who have interest only in their future and the future of their children. Let’s create a wonderful country from Sokoto to Akwa Ibom.

“Right across the board, young people in the world want literally and basically the same thing — a limitless opportunity for people.”