Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, has urged Nigerian youths to take a more active role in nation-building, stressing that Nigeria is not a lost cause but an unfinished project requiring the collective efforts of its citizens.
Dare, who is also the Sarkin Wassani of Daura Emirate, made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Peace, Leadership & Nation Building” at the Faculty of Law, Northwest University, Kano, in collaboration with the International Humanitarian Law Society of Nigeria.
He said sustainable peace and national development could not be achieved without justice, equality before the law, respect for human dignity and adherence to humanitarian principles.
The Presidential Adviser identified institutional weaknesses, corruption, economic challenges and inadequate civic participation among issues confronting the country, called for reforms that would strengthen institutions and restore citizens’ confidence in the Nigerian project.
Dare declared that Nigeria’s current difficulties must not be allowed to destroy hope in the country’s future.
“Nigeria is not a lost cause. Africa is not a condemned enterprise. Sustainable peace is not a utopian fantasy,” he said.
He described Nigeria as an “unfinished house” which required collective efforts to fix and strengthen rather than an entity to be abandoned because of its imperfections.
Chief Dare challenged young Nigerians, whom he described as highly educated, globally connected and technologically sophisticated, to channel their energy and digital influence into constructive participation in governance, politics, technology, law, public service and other areas of national development.
As a pathway towards national renewal, he proposed a five-point strategic framework comprising radical institutional reform for justice; innovation-driven and inclusive economic empowerment; civic education and a culture of peace; an uncompromising anti-corruption ethos; and a new humanitarian social contract.
He also called for stronger institutions, greater economic opportunities for young people, deeper civic education and increased deployment of technology to improve transparency and accountability.
According to him, basic needs such as clean water, quality education, healthcare and physical security must be treated as fundamental responsibilities of government.
The Presidential Adviser further advocated a new model of altruistic and humanitarian leadership, where public office is viewed primarily as a responsibility to serve and protect citizens rather than an avenue for personal entitlement.
He urged the younger generation to embrace patriotism, integrity, humanitarian values and responsible leadership while playing a more active role in governance and promoting national unity and respect for the rule of law.
Dare said the future of Nigeria remained promising if its citizens, particularly the younger generation, were prepared to contribute meaningfully to its development.
“The river of our national destiny will not dry up. It will flow wider, deeper, and stronger carried on the undiluted, patriotic, and humanitarian wings of this brilliant new generation,” he said.
Dare was honoured with an Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Leadership and National Service at the event.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero; the Dean of the Faculty of Law; the President of the International Humanitarian Law Society, Kabiru Saje; and the students for the honour and opportunity to share his views on peace, leadership and nation-building.
The presence of the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, according to Dare, added royal colour and further enriched the intellectual atmosphere of the gathering.
