By Patricia Uyeh

One of the keynote speakers at the Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders was former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke, who addressed Nigerians particularly the youths, urging them to active in leadership and governance

According to Duke, Nigerians behave like tenants in their country, thereby leaving older politicians and godfathers to make decisions on their behalf.

He said:

“Godfatherism grows out of mentorship… They are there to set you on a path, but do not let them enslave you. Right now, Nigerian youths have the numbers to make positive changes in this country, and they should use it. There is a lot of contempt in government now because there are no consequences to wrong actions by the government. The failure in the country is the youths’ inability to aspire for better lives and situations for themselves. They behave like tenants in their own country.”

Other speakers at the event included Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra; Deji Adeyanju, former PDP social media director; Demola Olarewaju, political strategist/analyst; Japheth Omojuwa, founder and chief strategist, Alpha Reach; Dayo Isreal, youth advocate; Arit Okpo, award-winning TV/Radio presenter; and Seun Okinbaloye, political correspondent, Channels TV.

Photo credit: bellanaija