A former secretary to the state government in Osun State Prince Kazeem Adio has counselled young Nigerians to make themselves worthy of the leadership positions they aspire to.
Prince Kazeem made the submission while fielding questions from journalists in Oshogbo, the Osun State capital, after a prayer session to mark his birthday.
He urged them to eschew the culture of entitlement whereby they expect positions of power and authority to be handed to them on a platter just because they are the next generation.
He advocated for a shift in mentality among young Nigerians saying they need to put their nose to the grindstone and demonstrate through excellent and consequential words and actions that contribute to nation building that they are ready to take over from those currently in positions of power.
The suave and popular politician argued that if the Youths stopped moaning and start working on changing popular perceptions that they are a lazy generation, the older generation will naturally take notice and start entrusting them with leadership responsibilities.
“‘I think the youths should change the strategy and the idea of saying ‘we demand for this and that’; we should promote talks about making ourselves exemplary in character and deed.
“The issue of demanding for roles will not be relevant as the older generations will voluntarily have such class of young chaps invited, readily welcome them and urge them to take up leadership positions . The African proverb that a young man who washes his hands clean will dine with the elders is relevant here,” he opined.
During the session, the former SSG however raised the alarm of an impending food shortage in the country fuelled by the recent clashes between herdsmen and farmers which has ravaged many parts of the country, especially the Middle Belt.
He lamented that the incessant clashes have driven many farmers and would-be farmers away from the affected areas and stymied development in agriculture, especially the recent initiative to entice young Nigerians back to the farm.
“As a UNDP trained Agribusiness Supplier Development Consultant active within the Agricultural sector, and also as a farmer, I can see that it is becoming clear that the nation may face a serious food crisis resultant from the seeming unending herdsmen/farmers’ clashes. “
“Sadly, the worst hit states are the food baskets of the nation, it is becoming unsafe for the people to stay in farms that are located far from the town and unless you are a peasant farmer you cannot have your farm at the locations that are near the residential areas,” he claimed.
While remarking that the longstanding issue between cattle rearers and host communities is something that cannot be waved away easily, he however urged the federal government to initiate a wide-ranging consultation with the nation’s best minds with a view to brainstorming the best solution to ease the conflict and restore peace to the affected communities.