From Abdul Salaudeen Ilorin
Former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed grave concern about the impact of insecurity in Kwara State and Nigeria in general.
Speaking at a youth summit organised in Ilorin to mark his 63rd birthday celebration in Ilorin, Saraki, lamented that the event could have taken a better shape but for the ravaging banditry and general insecurity in the state.
According to the two term governor, “the killings in the state and the general insecurity do not permit a flamboyant celebration of the day”.
He described the summit as a great opportunity for serious and meaningful engagement between the old and youths who, according to him, represent 70 percent of the country’s entire population.
He asserted that “the future of Kwara and Nigeria at large, depends on the people here in the hall, there must be commitment, determination and resilience to achieve a better Kwara and improved Nigeria”.
The frontline politician admonished youths not to be deceived or cajoled into mortgaging their future for anything, insisting that they have the ability to rewrite their neglect and abandonment by the incumbent administration in the state.
“Do not follow any leader blindly, you must choose and follow the right leadership with open mindset, not blindly. At this point, it is time for us all to fight and make Kwara better with determination”, he declared.
In his remark, the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, declared that the former president of the Senate, remains his mentor and “political radar” for life.
He disclosed that he learnt all and everything about politics from the former Kwara State governor.
Adeleke recalled that his political journey and tutelage started 14 years ago under Saraki in Kwara State.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Bamikole Omishore, Adeleke recalled: “Exactly 14 years ago, I first set foot in Kwara State. I was recruited by Saraki at a time when I had no clear political direction, only passion. A young man in his late twenties, eager to contribute and to learn.
“Since then, his mentorship, discipline, guidance and political education have remained integral to my personal, political and professional journey”, he stated.
He enjoined youths to consider taking charge of their destiny with active partisan politics and involvement with utmost dedication and resilience.
Adeleke asserted that Kwara had produced leaders of national relevance and still producing leaders of the future.
Other chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state and beyond described Saraki as a rallying point that has defied bullying and muscling of any sort from any quarters.
Women Wing of the state PDP, led by its Leader, Aminat Ishola, described “Saraki as a dependable pillar of the PDP and a national political figure whose leadership has continued to provide direction for the party at critical moments.
In his opening remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Isa Bawa, said the party is the only platform that provides space for youths “because it believes that the future of the country rests on them.
“The PDP remains the only political platform in Nigeria that genuinely provides space for growth, mentorship and leadership across all age groups.
“From inception, our party has consistently believed that the future of democracy rests on the shoulders of young people and women, not as spectators, but as active participants and decision-makers”, he added.
