*JIBUNOR URGES YOUTHS TO EMULATE MANDELA.
Youths have been encouraged to offer constructive criticisms to government for the progress of Nigeria, drawing from the experiences of the first South African democratic president; Mr. Nelson Mandela.
The call was made by the Chairman of a Non-Governmental Organization, Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), Chief (Dr.) Newton Jibunoh at the book review of Nelson Mandela’s “A Long Walk to Freedom; Unlocking Minds and Empowering Futures.”
The book review was organized by the Asaba Reading Club (ARC), in collaboration with the English and Literature Department of the Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba.
Chief Jibunoh, a globally-renowned environmentalist, narrated tales of Nelson Mandela’s struggles for social justice, promoting peace, and a free and democratic society, and ending discrimination, even at the cost of his imprisonment from 1964 to 1982.
He urged youths to wake up to their responsibility and make positive, meaningful impacts in society, adding that “Freedom without responsibility and accountability is a major issue in this country that has led us into trouble.’’
“We continuously make the same mistake, doing the same thing and expecting different results. What happened to our six refineries and Nigeria Airways? Nobody is asking questions. If we must come out from this mess, we must learn to ask questions and take responsibility,” he said.
The Lead Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, pointed out the morals in the book. He said, “When your right, as a human, is being infringed on, you have the right to fight back just like Nelson Mandela. He fought intellectually, even while he was in prison.
“Therefore, Nigerian youths should stand and fight without spears but put their minds to work. As youths, you have the time to plan your life and live a legacy in the world so that you will be celebrated. I make bold to say that Nigerians were fully involved in the fight to free Nelson Mandel,” Darah said.
Prof. Nkem Onyekpe and Dr. Kester Dibia, in their remarks, encouraged youths to be constructive and objective in criticizing the government, as agents of change.
Others who spoke at the book review including, Dr. Idoga Ochala, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Boldest TV Show, Asaba, (Miss.) Esther Obiesie, listed
accountability, responsibility, and skill acquisition as tools for self-reliance.
The President Asaba Reading Club, Dr. Omena Egedi, thanked the speakers for their words of wisdom and urged the students to join the club.
NIM
Credit: CHIKA KWAMBA