By: Joseph A. Adudu, March 26, 2022

Cross section of participants

The official launch of We2geda North-Central took place in Jos the Plateau State capital on Friday. We2geda, a non-religious, non-ethnic is a movement of a group of progressive young Nigerians who have decided to come together under a common platform for purpose of unity so as to forge a common front.The vision is to build a united Nigeria where everyone is assured of good quality life irrespective of tribe, religion or political class. And the mission is to establish a new united system of leadership comprising young, competent and patriotic leaders for selfless and more effective governance. We2geda is also committed to mobilizing and unifying patriotic Nigerians from all works of life for the desired change.In his opening remarks, the National Coordinator, We2geda Hon. Shiba Peller welcomed all participants to the event. Represented by Barr. Stanley Ekpa, Peller, he observed that the power to effect the desired change in the country was in the hands of the youths. He reiterated the fact that man was created basically for two reasons; to serve God, and to make positive impact in the environment in which he found himself. "It's not by accident that we are in the societies in which we found ourselves, it is by God's designed and it is for a purpose.

"The time is now for us to be in the front seat and be fully involved in the affairs of our nation. The power we have in our hands is strong enough to make the change we desire".

In his submission, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alh. Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim said that We2geda was out to ensured that every Nigerian life is valued noting that as long as politicians are allowed to decide for the people, we would never have a great country. According to him, the group was for mass Mobilization and comprehensive awareness to begin the needed change by slamming our doors at politicians who knocks for vote buying, "We are the agents of change if only we close our doors and reject the seasonal gifts that only comes during campaigns and elections stressing that enough was enough.

Alhaji Ibrahim Hussaini Abdulkarim, Chairman Board of Trustees We2geda

"We are tired of complaining, we are tired of status quo, we are tired of being disappointed, we are tired of recycling leaders waiting for them to take us to eldorado.

"Now is the time to say no, enough is enough. Let's all come together and ensure that the live of every Nigerian is valued".

He added that responsibility was key noting that the time has come to begin to hold leaders to account. "We must begin look for people who have the passion to lead, we should tell our leaders what we want them to do for us and not them telling us what they would do for us, we should begin to ask our leaders what plans do they have for our children's children".

Abdulkarim further revealed that May 14, 2022 was slated for "Generational Declaration" when those contesting for the Presidency would be told of the demands of the people of them and not the other way round which has been the tradition.

Delivering the keynote Address christened, "The integrity of performance or the performance of integrity; the trust deficit in Nigeria", Comrade Luka Pampe lamented that the above has robbed the country the opportunity to becoming one of the great societies in the world long before now. He sees integrity in two ways. Firstly, as quality of being honest and moral and Secondly, as a state of being undivided or being holistic. "The fundamental issue we should be able to ask ourselves is; would what we were able to pass through the Nigeria of yesterday propel us to open up our arms to embrace those who come to us that they would build bridges for us even where rivers do not exist?", Pampe asked rhethorically.

He said it behoves on the youths of this country (who constitute over 70 percent of the over 200 of our population) to ask critical questions regarding the ambitions of the people they know quite well have failed to deliver on their mandates. According to him, "certain categories of people who have hold unto power from 1s to 3rd republics; the same people who had the opportunity to execute the promises they made many years back but failed are still repeating similar promises in 2022 going to 2023.

"The issue of integrity of performance and performance of integrity are fundamental issues that we must bring on the table of conversation.

"The conversation should be on quality of delivery and not quality of the candidate".

Pampe called on the youths to do a soul searching of what they really wanted noting that talk is cheap and that action is what Nigerians wanted. He further submitted that the search for quality leaders should be hinged on security, education, public debt and adequate attention to Governance at the local government level. Pampe posited that quality and effective governance should start from the grassroot (from local government to state and to the national levels) advising that we shouldn't sacrifice the local government system on the platter of political interest.

He said the next President must make very clear his plans to reforming the local government administration. Pampe believed that We2geda would surely galvanized interests adding that in his opinion and assessment, it was the only platform for effective delivery.

Comrade Luka Pampe, Keynote Speaker

Goodwill messages from Cmr. Steve Aloko and Baruga Abdullahi Ibrahim preceded a Panel session comprising of Dr. Isa Abdullahi, Miss Bature Hanatu, Safiya Musa and Hon. Salihu Musa Iyimoga.

Most of the participants who spoke to African Drum expressed delight saying that the We2geda has gingered them toward rising up to do the needful to change the narrative and build the Nigeria of their dream.

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