By Saheed Ibrahim
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Nigerian youth must look beyond barriers, work as a team, and be ambitious to occupy elective positions.
This was the submission of young lawmakers at the Lead on Conference organized by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria in Lagos.
According to Dr. Midala Usman Balami, Federal House of Representatives member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Borno State, highlighted that young people must build capacity, consistency, good attitude, and always let their voices be heard.
Balami added that they must take advantage of every connection they make, be ambitious, and remain disciplined and move together as a team.
While emphasizing that young people cannot stay off politics but desire to win elections, he added, “do not let money or other barriers stop you.
“Have goals that scare you. The human brain requires you to stretch it beyond limitations. So if you think in a limited manner, you will not achieve your goal. We can make Nigeria of our dream,” the lawmaker stated.
Also, the Speaker, Ikorodu West LCDA, Lagos State, Mrs. Enitan Oba highlighted that ambitious young women face lots of challenges when they seek political posts.
Narrating her story, she said it requires resilience and determination to achieve one’s goal for women to occupy elective positions in Nigeria.
While warning that women should avoid desperation to avoid being lost, the 2023. Mandela Washington Fellow said they must be committed to effecting the change they desire.
Mrs. Oba stressed that there would be challenges and reasons to give up, owing to the political atmosphere in the country; women should build resilience to make their voices heard.
Earlier, MWFAAN President, Onor-Obassi Tawo, said the theme of the conference, ‘Resilience Leadership’ was in tandem with the current situation in Nigeria as it takes leadership with focus and resilience to achieve greatness.
Highlights of the events also included a panel session on harnessing sustainability for disruptive change, brand visibility, presentation of awards, and networking.
