A coalition of Nigerian youths rising from a crucial joint meeting held recently in Lagos has urged a former Governor of Abia state Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) to reconcile his differences with a former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) in the interest of the Nigerian project.





The youths who held a joint meeting under the umbrella of All Nigeria Youths Forum, a coalition of youth organizations, advised the former governor whom the former president once described as the “Action Governor” to please eschew all bitterness and extend the olive branch to the older Chief Obasanjo whom they also described as a phenomenon in the Nigeria polity.





According to a statement by the forum’s coordinator Dr. Frank Chuks, “the forum was convened to seek positive ways the Nigeria youths would play their noble role in contributing to leadership for sustainable development”.

“We have identified conflicts between major stakeholders; those whose wisdom and experiences have in one time or the other helped in sustaining our democracy. A situation where leaders who are meant to pool their wealth of wisdom, knowledge, experience and understanding of the Nigerian situation together to move the country forward are engaged in cheap fights will jeopardize the future of Nigeria.



The forum being aware of the cordial relationship that once existed between the two leaders, and as witnesses to what the former Governor went through in the hands of Federal powers under OBJ understand the animosity of the former Governor towards the former president but advised Orji Kalu to put the issues behind him and take it as part of his sacrifice for the growth of the Nation; a sacrifice of which the youths recognizes and upon which Kalu is today regarded as patriotic leader and a worthy ambassador by the Nigerian youths.







“The two leaders by now must have realized that the Nigeria project is bigger than their personal and individual interests. Hence the need to work together in one alliance to deliver this country from the countless challenges. It’s very clear to all and sundry that Nigeria is passing through the most trying phase of its existence, and all hands need to be on deck”





The forum also reminded the former president that as a father and elder statesman he is expected to play the role of galvanizing and synergizing individuals who are selfless and courageous in the fight for just Nigeria society. “Baba must realize the generational gap between him and some of these leaders. There is no way he should expect them to think like him. But he can tap on their modern brain and experience as a father to evolve solutions to national challenges. We therefore urge and expect Baba as a father to accept without reservations and conditions, with both arms wide open, any re-conciliatory move by the former Governor Orji Kalu who is a son to him” Dr Frank said.



The vision of the All Nigeria Youths forum is to involve the youths in shaping a new Nigerian Dream aimed at fast tracking the transformation and development of Nigeria; and one of the ways we are commencing this great mission is identifying some positive leaders, whose true love for Nigeria is selfless and urging them on the urgent need to reconcile their differences and work as a formidable team for the betterment of this great country Nigeria which would translate to a brighter future for the youths.



The forum has also concluded arrangements involving the entire Nigeria youths in identifying solutions to the leadership challenges crippling the country through a nationwide essay competition where participants are expected to identify the various leadership challenges in Nigeria, their causes and to proffer possible solutions on how such challenges could be overcome.

The outcome of the competition which would be made available to policy makers and other stakeholders will form the basis for the next level of our campaign which is to take the debate to six geographical regions in the country in what we have termed – The All Nigerian Youths Summits. This will avail youths from the different parts of the country the opportunity to contribute on the ways and strategies of transforming the Nation; sustaining the unity of the country, maintaining peaceful coexistence among the people, establish accountable leadership and build patriotism towards the only country that we can all proudly call our own.





The forum used the opportunity to call on the Nigeria Youths and other youth organization that are not yet part of this great campaign to register their partnership with the forum. They can join by emailing to allnigerianyouths@yahoo.com, like our Fan page at www.facebook.com/All Nigerian Youths Forum or call our secretariat- 08092524205