The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Prince Chukwudi Oli, has promised to maintain a close relationship with youths, saying their future cannot be left for another day.
Oli spoke at an award ceremony organised by the Youth Wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), where he was among personalities honoured as role models in Anaocha Local Government Area.
He said he had to put aside several other engagements to attend the event because of his love for the youths and his belief in their place in society.“Our tomorrow is today, not tomorrow,” Oli said.
He added that the recognition came with a responsibility, stressing that anyone honoured as a role model must live up to the name. “Role models should act like one,” adding that he felt elated and honoured by the award.
He promised he and other recipients would not disappoint the youths who had honoured them.
Speaking further, he said, the relationship between leaders and youths should not begin and end with elections, adding that those in positions of influence must deliberately create time to engage with young people and understand their concerns.
He also urged the youths to take their role as voters seriously, advising them not to choose candidates simply because of political affiliation, popularity or campaign promises.
Oli asked them to take time to examine the candidates before making their decisions. “Think and meditate on your candidates,” he said. He advised the youths to find out what their preferred candidates had done in the past and to study their manifestos carefully.
Chief Oli went on to say a candidate’s record should matter as much as what he says during campaigns.
The APGA candidate further reminded the award recipients that the honour they had received demanded discipline while adding that being described as a role model meant that younger people would watch their conduct and draw lessons from it, making it important for them to remain worthy of the recognition.
Oli also called on youths to close ranks and work together, saying their unity would give them greater influence in tackling the problems facing society. “If the youths come together, 90 per cent of our problems will be solved,” he stated.
He pledged to fraternise with the youths and urged other leaders to make similar commitments, stressing that young people should be treated as partners in building the society rather than as mere followers or supporters during elections.
