A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Tola Kasali, has charged Nigerian youths to take over the political scene for the future of the country.
Kasali, a former Commissioner for Rural Development in Lagos State, gave the charge on Friday during his 72nd birthday celebration in Lagos.
The birthday party was organised for the APC Chieftain by the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria, Lagos State Taskforce, led by Alhaji Mukaila Moruf (aka Sanwo-Ayalu).
He commended President Bola Tinubu for spotlighting and injecting some youths into his cabinet, adding that the current Nigeria’s challenges were for the youths to resolve.
Kasali, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos State, urged Nigerian young politicians to be focused and prioritise service to their people, state and the country.
“They say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, it is no more true again. The youth should take over now.
“When you consider the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and look at some youths like the Interior Minister, he is a young person and he is doing fantastically well.
“These are the kind of people that we need to continue to serve this nation. Our youths have a lot of experience, knowledge, strength and intelligence.
“As a result, we need to direct them to be focus. So, it is no more the future, present situation is for the youth. We should make use of them for the future of this country.
“I am praying that our youths will continue to play well in the political scene of this country and God will always be with them, direct and make use of them for the betterment of this country,” he said.
The APC chieftain urged young politicians to always do the right thing and remain contented.
“When you serve the people, your state and the country, do not do it because you are looking for something, but for the sake of the people, the state and the country.
“The country belongs to all of us, the youth should take over now,” he said.
The politician said that he was happy and felt fulfilled having served the people and the state with all his youthful vigour and strength.
“I am 72 today and I thank God for it. I don’t put anything in my mind, I have paid my dues in Lagos State.
“I have served Lagos State with all my conscience, capacity and strength and I am thankful to God that I am where I am today, very happy and satisfied,” Kasali said.
Speaking, Alhaji Mukaila Moruf, the Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee, described Kasali as a role model and a lover of the people.
“We are celebrating our leader at his 72 birthday. He is the apex leader of APC in Ibeju-Lekki,” Moruf said.
He said that Kasali had done so many things in promoting and lifting Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
Also applauding Kasali, Mr Oluwole Omikunle, an entrepreneur and a chieftain of APC in Ward E in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said that Kasali would remain a guide to many young politicians.
He prayed God to grant Kasali more years in good health and peace of mind.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by politicians, friends and family of the former commissioner.