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Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has raised concerns over the growing involvement of Nigerian youths in political activities as labourers for politicians.

Lamido spoke on Sunday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

The former governor explained that he deliberately opted for an engagement with youths rather than holding the usual gathering involving political elites, saying his decision was driven by concerns about Nigeria’s future and the difficulties confronting younger citizens.

He said political leaders had failed to provide sufficient mentorship and proper character development for the younger generation.

“We, the leaders, have abandoned Nigerian youths in terms of moulding them, character formation, inculcating brotherhood, sisterhood, human empathy and all those values that make human beings.

“The question is, why can’t we give the younger generation what we were given when we were young?

“In the next 35 years, we will not be here. Why, then, are we using our future, our youths, as political machinery and political labourers?” Lamido asked.

He expressed worry that young Nigerians were being drawn into political activities involving thuggery, hatred, abuse and disrespect instead of constructive participation centred on ideas and principles.

According to him, some politicians focus on mobilising youths around individual personalities rather than political ideals, a situation he warned could deepen divisions among young Nigerians.

Lamido appealed to youths across different political parties, including the PDP, APC and ADC, to avoid treating one another as enemies, noting that they have common interests and face many of the same challenges.

“Whether you are in PDP, APC, ADC or any other political party, you share so much in common as a youth. Therefore, while you are in your own political party, you should not be enemies,” he said.

He urged political leaders and other stakeholders to prioritise the intellectual, moral and leadership development of Nigerian youths through education, employment, mentorship and effective character formation.

Lamido noted that previous generations received guidance from political leaders, elders, religious institutions and other structures within society, which contributed to the development of their values and leadership qualities.

He therefore called on current leaders to create similar opportunities for younger Nigerians, stressing that the country’s future depends on how well its youths are prepared to take on leadership responsibilities.

The former governor also urged young Nigerians from the North, South, East and West to recognise their common interests and responsibilities as members of the same generation.

He maintained that Nigeria could achieve sustainable development if its youths were properly prepared for leadership grounded in competence, integrity, tolerance and a strong sense of national responsibility.

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