Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos has commended the zeal of young Nigerian workers, especially the Young Christian Workers (YCW) in their resolve to storm the political arena and wrestle leadership positions from old recycled politicians in the very near future, The Nation reports.
“We have lived with a situation that has not been positive for all Nigerians, whereas God has blessed us with young people that have the right ideas with good education and have imbibed new godly values,” Archbishop Martins told the YCW leaders.
“We believe that when they step into the political space, they might be the ones to establish the true CHANGE that the whole country desires,” he added in his message to the youths across the country on the occasion of Workers Day anniversary on May 1 and in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Young Christian Workers (YCW) Movement of Nigeria.
The anniversary was preceded by the 2nd International Conference held on 29 April at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ogudu Road, Ojota in Lagos.
Addressing the 374 delegates, YCW President, Mr Paul-Mary Williams Onofere said the aims of the confab were to awaken hopes and aspirations of the young population that have been trodden under foot by a largely insensitive politicians since independence.
“We cannot fold our hands and continue to complain because this has created consequences that we can’t find solutions to. Now we must rise up and take the bulls by their horns!” he said.
He recalled with nostalgia the genesis of YCW movement in Nigeria in Ibadan in 1957.
“We are proud today to announce that we have established our presence in over 90 parishes and very active in 12 Deaneries in the Archdiocese of Lagos; over seven parishes in the Archdiocese of Ibadan with over four parishes each in Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode Diocese,” he added.
Nigerian YCW chaplain, Mgr Livinus Ukah also told the conference that Nigeria has not done enough for its youths in terms of job opportunities and participation in governance, the Daily Times adds.
He said, “Those in power should follow the legacies of the founding fathers, especially equal distribution of national cake. The youth must be fixed in all sectors of Nigerian establishments.’’ He continued: “ People are always re-informed by this statement, “ the young are the future leaders.’’ The time is here. Macron of France has shown that the time has come for the youth to take up the mantle of leadership. Time will come when the youth will make it from bottom to top, at that time, justice and peace will be born in Nigerian polity.’’
SOURCE
Young Christian workers urged to be active in politics (The Nation)
Make a difference in politics, Okogie, Martins, others tell Youths (Daily Times)
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