The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi on Saturday told the youths that the future of Nigeria lies in their hands.
Obi, who delivered the keynote address at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) to mark the institution’s 16th Annual Founder’s Day and 20th anniversary, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the personal sacrifices of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in championing education, a pursuit he described as “more of a calling than a venture for profit.”
He called on the students to embrace leadership, hope, and the promise of a brighter future for Nigeria, despite its challenges.
Quoting the profound words of Chinua Achebe, Obi reiterated the timeless truth, saying ‘Nigeria’s challenges are rooted in a deficit of true leadership’.
He underscored the qualities of a good leader – competence, compassion, vision – and urged the students to rise above tribal and religious divides.
Obi further noted that the success of a nation is anchored in the health and education of its people, emphasising that a strong education system is a cornerstone of societal progress.
In his reflection on Nigeria’s recent economic trajectory, Obi also called upon the youth to forge a new path, focusing on meritocracy and performance rather than tribalism or religion.
The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of our youth,” he declared, urging them to hold fast to the values of integrity and excellence.
In his address, AUN President, Dewayne Frazier extolled the institution’s 20-year journey, crediting Atiku’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment.
“Today we celebrate the fruits of two decades of steadfast vision,” he said, emphasising the collective achievements of the university’s dedicated staff, students, and alumni.
The ceremony culminated in a poignant moment when AUN President Frazier presented a commemorative book to Atiku, Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Ben Obi, and keynote speaker former Governor Obi, marking their vital roles in the university’s storied legacy.
Atiku, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for AUN’s journey thus far.
“Today, we celebrate not only a milestone but a movement—a vision that has touched countless lives. This is but the beginning,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of key individuals who have helped shape AUN’s legacy, including Professor Robert Pastor, the university’s first Board Chairman, and Mr. Ahmed Joda, the pioneering Board members who have served over the years.”
As AUN embarks on its next chapter, Atiku closed with optimism: “For us, this 20th anniversary marks only the beginning of our journey ahead.”
The American Embassy in Nigeria, through Deputy Ambassador David Greene, conveyed its solidarity with AUN’s faculty and staff, expressing gratitude for the institution’s commitment to Yola and its surrounding communities.
The Embassy also lauded the foresight of AUN’s Founder for his vision in establishing the university in this remarkable region, particularly for its impactful humanitarian initiatives.
Chuks Okocha
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