The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Revd. Ignatius Kaigama has on Sunday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to create opportunities for youths to take the leadership positions at all levels of government and economy for the progress of the nation.

Kaigama made this call during his homily in Abuja, when he noted that despite their potentials, the Nigerian youths were being sidelined by the old political leaders from fully participating in politics.

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He said that In political governance, the youths should be given a chance to participate fully rather than being seen as immature citizens and agents of crimes. He also noted that with their talents and energy of these youths, they can surely make meaningful contributions to the country.

Citing the President’s New Year message promise that the Government will actively engage with young people, to turn their passions into ideas that can be supported, groomed and scaled across regions, the clergyman wondered if the declaration is truly meant to open the economic and political space to the young people, de-emphasizing monetary extortion, the practice of favouritism, nepotism, godfathers manipulations, and outright election rigging that excludes the youth from political participation.

The Archbishop demands proof that the nation means what they say in the future elections by giving the youths the political oxygen to make meaningful contributions to our democratic project of the Nigerian nation.