‘Wake Up and Drive the Change’, General Agwai charges African Youths

A former Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has urged Nigerian youths to stop blaming the nation’s leaders for challenges, but instead rise to actively participate in the political process to bring about positive change and a brighter future for the country. Agwai gave this charge while speaking at the Presidential Youth […]

A former Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has urged Nigerian youths to stop blaming the nation’s leaders for challenges, but instead rise to actively participate in the political process to bring about positive change and a brighter future for the country.

Agwai gave this charge while speaking at the Presidential Youth Retreat 6.0, organized by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

The event held, on Tuesday, at the library’s cinema hall in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The four-day programme, themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East,” brought together young participants from across the African continent.

Initiated and led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the retreat offered young Africans a rare opportunity for mentorship and one-on-one discussions with him on how the continent can overcome modern forms of colonial dependence through visionary leadership and youth involvement in governance.

In his address, Agwai who was the keynote speaker, described democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” noting that while democratic systems differ across nations, they should not be the preserve of the aged and elite.

He stressed that Nigerian youths—armed with energy, creativity, and technological knowledge—must play a more active role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

According to him, many of Nigeria’s current leaders came into power as young people and have remained there for decades, making it imperative for the next generation to challenge the status quo and change the narrative.

He cautioned against youths being manipulated by politicians or selling their future for short-term gains.

Rather, he encouraged them to unite across tribal and religious divides to pursue peaceful and progressive change.

General Agwai also noted that Nigeria’s challenges were not unique, as many African nations face similar issues.

He therefore called on all African youths to “wake up and drive the change they wish to see.”

Addressing the growing wave of emigration, Agwai appealed to young Nigerians abroad not to abandon their homeland.

He advised them to acquire knowledge, technology, and governance experience overseas and return home to help rebuild the nation.

Mrs. Bisi Kolapo, Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that many young Nigerians in leadership positions rose to prominence by taking advantage of difficult circumstances.

She encouraged youths to look inward for opportunities instead of seeking escape abroad.

Kolapo expressed optimism that serious-minded youths could move Nigeria forward, despite the negative actions of a few who tarnish the image of the younger generation.

Similarly, Mrs. Kehinde Omolara, Programme Director of the Centre, commended the retreat participants for their enthusiasm and transformation, noting that they were now better equipped to drive leadership change in their respective countries.

The event featured debates and panel discussions with veterans from various sectors across Ogun State and other African countries. These sessions provided insights into how African youths can transform the continent’s political landscape and shed the mindset of inferiority to foreign powers.

During a question-and-answer session, Obasanjo described the retreat as a “presidential mentorship platform” designed to allow experienced leaders to share lessons from past mistakes with the younger generation.

He welcomed new ideas from participants to further improve subsequent editions of the programme.