The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, generated positive buzz on social media on Friday with a heartening video directly addressed to young Nigerians on the positive contributions of their creative talents, vision, and spirited efforts to Nigeria’s glowing global reputation and key economic achievements.
The four minutes long video, released across his social media pages to mark this year’s edition of the International Youth Day, featured the former Lagos Governor delivering a solemn speech in which he highlighted key innovative changes led by young Nigerians in the past decade to foreground the enormous deposit of youth talents in the country and the many dynamic ways young people have, through their dynamism and irrepressible nature, heralded positive shifts in different endeavors.
Citing accomplished and globally acclaimed young Nigerians in the fields of tech, sports, and entertainment such as Odunayo Eweniyi of Piggyvest, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin of Pearls Africa, Mitchell Elegbe of Interswitch, and Grammy award winner Burna Boy, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed credited Nigeria’s “fast-growing reputation as the best place for tech entrepreneurship on the African continent” to their vision and hard work.
He added that their innovations and smart adaptation of technology to provide relevant solutions have powered the economy and changed lives.
He further described Nigeria as a land blessed with the inexhaustible energies and brilliance of young people who are daily breaking new boundaries and records in almost every human endeavor. “The creativity that lives in the heart of the average Nigerian youth shines bright like the sun,” he continued.
“Our future is full of hope and excitement, in part because of the work these men and women have done and continue to do,” Asiwaju said.
The message resonated with millions of young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who, barely minutes after it was released, sent in a flurry of positive reactions, with many of them praising his acknowledgment of youth potential and contributions – an acknowledgment they claim increases their confidence that his administration, if elected, will prioritize the empowerment of young people as an essential pathway to sustainable economic development and lasting peace.
Reacting on Twitter, @OfficialJayJam said: “This is so encouraging to watch. As a Young Nigerian, I feel highly elated that my incoming president is so updated and in tune with realities! Don’t be surprised, Asiwaju is an entertainment-loving Leader of leaders who’s playfully found delight in sports, music and movies.”
@mc_tall, another Twitter user, wrote: “People handling Jagaban learned this work in Havard and Oxford. No one expected this video. No one is talking about Giringory and his $500bn lie today, everyone is talking about this video now. Lagos boys have entered the party. I love this season walahi.”
Also on Twitter, @OptimisticAde said: “Tinubu has demonstrated excellent capacity to support and prepare youth for immediate and future leadership positions. Amongst all the presidential candidates, Tinubu is the only person who has given the youth opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Go and verify.”
“You have to give Asiwaju’s PR and comms team a resounding high-five for this. Very well done, guys! ???,” @Moh_Sarkee tweeted.
The reaction was the same on Facebook where Mitchelle Ushie said in a comment: “Beautiful Message! Thank you my incoming President of Nigeria ??!”
Another user wrote: “Great message for the youths of Nigeria. We of the South South zone in Operation Deliver for Tinubu, (ODT) know that the youths of Nigeria are rising to the occasion, to show the world they are truly active participants in the affairs of their world. The message is well timed and appropriate. We say, congratulations to the Nigerian youths, congratulations to our incoming president and finally, congratulations to Nigeria.”
Ahmad Ganga, sure of his victory next year, said: “You’re doing well, Sir. You’ll celebrate next year’s international youth day in office as president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, In Shaa Allah.”
Meanwhile, on Instagram, @uy_scutti attested to the candidate’s benevolence in a comment that read: “Asiwaju’s benevolence to the youth brings enchanting aura to our politics. May Bola Tinubu succeed.”
The frontrunner of the high-stake contest, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has built a profile as an enabler of youth development and empowerment, both in politics and business. Several youths in business and politics have credited their success to his generosity and mentorship.
It is difficult to overstate the importance of the goodwill and endorsement generated by the Friday message given the pivotal role young Nigerians are expected to play in the race. With the country’s population dominated by young people, a sizable number of whom are registered to vote, analysts have described youth support as the decisive factor in the election.