By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A youth group under the auspices of Shina Peller Network (SPN) has said that building and strengthening national institutions as against individuals is key to attaining sustainable development and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
Shina Peller is a brand name credited to the Nigerian entrepreneur, industrialist and politician Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, a member of the 9th National Assembly representing the Eseyi, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the youth group, Mr. Farouk Musa Mohammed stated this in an event marking the unveiling of SPN Secretariat in Kaduna, with the theme “it’s Youth O, Clock, Let’s Change the Narrative by Building Purposeful, Resourceful and Humane Leadership”.
According to the SPN National Coordinator, the initiative is purely a political movement that is expected to drive the Nigerian youth into various positions of leadership via election and appointments come 2023.
He tasked the Nigerian youth to participate actively in the political process of the country by registering and becoming eligible members of a political party, as well as getting their permanent voters card (PVC) which is the deciding factor in the present day democracy.
Farouk Musa pointed out that youth have been very instrumental in forming governments since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, but have been sidelined due to their failure to show readiness and preparedness to take the mantle of leadership.
He expressed the determination of the youth group to put to an end god-fatherism, use and dump syndrome as well as circulation of leadership with a view to providing a platform for the younger generation to grow, saying the initiative is in line with the vision of the country’s founding fathers.
The National Coordinator said during the event, that the greatest liability that is hindering youth success in politics is the issue of god-fatherism syndrome, and urged them to cut them off, acquire PVCs, and take advantage of their numerical strength which is estimated at 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population.
Farouk who identified unity, team work, and positive thinking as key to achieving the set goals and objectives, stressed the need for them to key into an already existing political party and explore their strength, potentials and resources for the general good of all come 2023.
On his part, the Federal Lawmaker, Mr. Shina Abiola Peller said the initiative is geared towards warehousing the strength of the youth by identifying their talents and providing them with the platform to explore in the political system of their father-land.
He expressed willingness to work with competent people who have the mind to change the narratives, and are ready to sacrifice their individual interests for the common goal.
The National Assembly member said the political pressure group was determined to raise young vibrant and competent youth in each of the 36 states of the federation and place them in positions of power either through election or appointment.
To achieve the set goals and objectives, the young entrepreneur and politician said Shina Peller Network would set a criteria for every one contesting for a political office, and only those who meet the criteria will be elected.
He charged the youth to intensify campaign for Nigerians to get their permanent voters card and get registered into political parties to ensure their mandates count come 2023, which is going to be the game changer via election.
